Italy’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sem Fabrizi, UNOPS Multi-Country Director Worknesh Mekonnen, and South Ethiopia regional officials have inaugurated the expanded Dimeka Health Centre and Aeriya Qeyissa Primary School in Hamer Woreda, South Omo zone.
The ceremony on Tuesday completed a three — year, €7.6 million Italian-funded project implemented by UNOPS, with €3 million allocated to Hamer Woreda. Officials say the facilities will directly serve 55,000 residents and more than 800 pupils.
Dimeka Health Centre gained a new delivery room, maternal block, EPI block, OPD block, registration area, general store, drug store, toilets, staff residence, maternity waiting rooms, duty room and guard house. A reliable water source and solar power were also installed.
Aeriya Qeyissa Primary School added 13 blocks: an administration building, library, bookstore, kitchen, cafeteria, four classrooms, an early-childhood classroom, three toilet blocks and a guard house. Its laboratory and store block were fully rehabilitated.
Fabrizi said Italy is “proud to work with Ethiopia authorities and communities in expanding access to essential services for the most vulnerable.” He added that the partnership “reflects a shared commitment to strengthening health systems, improving education, and promoting inclusive development.”.
Michele Morana, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Addis Ababa, called the facilities “a tangible demonstration of Italy’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development priorities” and said the investment aims to “strengthen community resilience” in climate-vulnerable areas.
Worknesh Mekonnen noted that “access to quality basic services is fundamental to improving lives,” adding that the completed works “demonstrate what we can achieve together through strong partnerships.”.
Designs incorporated gender — sensitive features and disability access, while solar energy ensures uninterrupted services. The project follows a similar inauguration in October 2025 in Chifra, Afar region, where 36,000 conflict-affected people now use upgraded health and education infrastructure.
Source: Italian Embassy in Ethiopia / UNOPS press release
