In Ethiopia’s Afar region, one of the hottest and most remote places on earth, reaching children with routine vaccines is a daily challenge. But for health workers like Mohammed Ahmed, a Technical Assistant with the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) Phase II Project, no child should be left behind regardless of where they come from.
Below, Mohammed shares his journey and the realities of delivering immunisation services in pastoralist communities.
Q: Mohammed, how are you doing today?
Mohammed: I’m doing well, thank you. Working in Afar is tough, but the impact we make keeps me motivated.
Q: How does it feel to work on the Saving Lives and Livelihoods project?
Mohammed: Honestly, it’s inspiring. The project gives us the chance to see real change—children getting vaccinated for the first time, parents feeling hopeful again. I’m proud to be part of that.
Q: What does your role involve?
Mohammed: I support districts to strengthen routine immunisation, integrate COVID-19 vaccines, and improve digital data systems. I work closely with health workers and local leaders to make immunisation services more reliable and accessible.
Q: What progress have you seen so far?
Mohammed: We’re seeing better planning, stronger data use through digital headcounts, and more outreach to remote communities. Health workers are more confident after receiving training, and communities are becoming more aware of the importance of vaccines.
Q: What challenges do you face in Afar?
Mohammed: The environment is harsh—extreme heat, long distances, dry riverbeds, and constant movement of pastoralist families. Fixed health posts don’t always work here. We rely on mobile teams, travel early in the morning, and partner with local health workers who understand the terrain and the culture.
Q: Why is immunisation more complex in this region?
Mohammed: Vaccines require a cold chain, precise timing, and consistent follow-ups. With mobile populations, it’s easy for children to miss doses. One missed visit can put a child at serious risk, so we must be organised and responsive.
Q: How do you ensure no child is left behind?
Mohammed: We map pastoralist routes, send mobile teams, and meet families where they are. Community leaders and health workers play a huge role in building trust. We don’t wait for people to come to services, we bring services to the people.
Q: What difference has SLL Phase II made in Afar?
Mohammed: The project has helped integrate COVID-19 vaccines with routine services, improved planning through digital headcounts, trained teams, expanded catch-up campaigns, and increased community awareness. It is strengthening the health system from the ground up.
Q: What impact do you hope to see by the project’s end?
Mohammed: I hope to see higher and more equal vaccination coverage, especially for children, women, and older pastoralists. With better logistics and stronger mobile services, I believe we can reach every community.
Q: What are your personal aspirations as a public health leader?
Mohammed: I want to champion health equity. My dream is to see health services that truly fit the pastoralist lifestyle, mobile clinics, well-trained local workers, strong cold chain systems, and culturally respectful health education.
Q: Any message you’d like to leave us with?
Mohammed: I’m grateful to all the health workers, community leaders, and partners who make this possible. Real change comes from working together. Let’s keep moving toward a healthier Ethiopia, and Africa at large.
Mohammed’s story shows what progress looks like when community knowledge, innovative strategies, and committed health workers come together. In Afar, where distance and extreme weather conditions create daily challenges, the SLL Phase II Project is helping ensure that every child has a fair chance at a healthy life.
The Saving Lives and Livelihoods project, implemented by Amref Health Africa in partnership with Africa CDC and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, is strengthening Ethiopia’s immunisation system through training, digital innovations, outreach services, and community engagement.
Authors:
- Betebebu Mulugeta, Knowledge Management Coordinator for the SLL Phase II project, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia
- Michael Tarekegn, Senior Project Manager for the SLL Phase II project, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia
- Mohammed Ahmed, Technical Assistant, Saving Lives and Livelihoods project in Afar Region, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia