Ethiopia has been praised for advances in primary healthcare and environmental initiatives, with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa calling for the sustainability and adaptation of successful models across the continent.

Speaking to Pulse of Africa, Aboubakri Diaw, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Secretary at the UN Economic Commission for Africa, said Ethiopia’s government had taken the lead in delivering important primary healthcare services.

The government took the lead and really delivered important things when it comes to primary health care services, he added.

Diaw said the next challenge was ensuring the sustainability of the gains made in healthcare, particularly through sustainable financing involving governments, development partners and the private sector.

He also praised Ethiopia’s environmental efforts, particularly its Green Legacy initiative, saying other African countries could draw lessons from the model while adapting it to their own realities.

Diaw said healthier and greener cities could contribute not only to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, but also to economic growth, tourism and Africa’s image.

He said such initiatives could also help showcase the positive developments taking place across Africa, beyond the challenges often associated with the continent.