Effective Implementation of Public Health and Social Measures in Ethiopia: Situational Analysis

Public health and social measures should respond to data about the growth of the epidemic and be implemented in a way that engages communities. Communities should be involved in helping to determine strategies for adapting measures to the local context, protecting livelihoods, and introducing appropriate relief measures to counteract the economic impact of these measures. The government should counter misinformation with appropriate risk communication and engage with communities to ensure voluntary adherence to COVID-19 response measures.

• There are relatively few confirmed cases in Ethiopia, despite its large population, status as an international transit hub, and enhanced testing strategy.
• Widespread and robust PHSMs were implemented early in the outbreak, which has likely succeeded in reducing transmission. Strong public support for PHSMs has allowed Ethiopia to adapt many PHSMs to be effective in the country, including cutting public transportation seat occupancy in half and introducing a road rationing scheme to limit population mobility. Tigray state has started to loosen its state of emergency.
• The economic and social impacts of the epidemic will be significant in Ethiopia. Most poll respondents said they would run out of money within a week, and half would run out of food. The government is responding with social assistance and food security measures to reduce the burden.
• Information and awareness about COVID-19 is high, and a majority of respondents trust the government response. However, many misbeliefs persist about around alternative remedies. Less than half recognize their own risk of catching the disease.
• Few COVID-19 related security incidents have occurred, but anti-foreigner sentiment has risen. Steps have been taken to prevent transmission in prisons, with the release of more than 4,000 prisoners convicted of minor crimes.