Ethiopian primary health care clinical guidelines

Abstract

The Ethiopian health care system has three tiers: primary health care, general hospital and specialized care centers. The primary health care level includes health posts, health centers and district hospitals. These health facilities are the first patient contact levels. Early case detection and appropriate treatment at the primary care level has pivotal role in better treatment outcome, disease control, and provision of quality of care. This is in line with global initiatives of achieving universal health coverage (UHC). And most importantly it can be a crucial input for the realization of Woreda transformation agenda of the HSTP (Health Sector Transformation Plan) by strengthening high performing PHCUs (Primary Health Care Units). Standardization of patient care at all health tier levels is important. To achieve this important goal, in the past years several guidelines have been developed. Some of these address specific diseases while others are general.