Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa, (WIC) – The Ministry of Women’s Affairs said it would scale up the efforts being made to curb harmful traditional practices (HTPs) against women.

After a visit to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital here Monday, Women’s Affairs Minister, Muferiat Kamil told WIC that the government would further expand its efforts to avert various HTPs against women.

HTPs against women are currently declining, the minister said, expressing the ministry’s readiness to further consolidate activities of protecting women against HTPs.

The government is undertaking wide-ranging activities aimed at benefiting women and children, the minister said that the health extension programs being carried out across the country are considerably benefiting women and children in this regard.

The minister further called on the public to assist the efforts launched to protect women from HTPs and ensure their all-rounded benefits hence speeding up the country’s development.

She also commended the activities of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in providing medical and other assistances to women.

Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital CEO, Mark Bennett said on his part that fistula treatment centers were established in Yirgalem, Mekelle, Bahir Dar and Harar towns, while a similar center is also being constructed in Metu town of the Oromia state.

The CEO said the government is facilitating ways through providing construction plots and assisting the importation of essential medical equipment.