A quantitative analysis of the health extension programme to inform human resource policy interventions in Ethiopia

In 2004, Ethiopia implemented a policy reform called the Health Extension Program (HEP) that has trained and deployed health extension workers (HEWs) across remote areas, to deliver 16 essential primary healthcare services. This is designed to augment the critical shortage of human resources for health.

Although deploying HEWs in large numbers is important, their motivation is a key driver in ensuring retention and good performance, which remains under-researched. I will use quantitative techniques to investigate the nature and determinants of HEW’s job choices. To provide critical insight on which available health workforce policies to pursue for better retention of HEWs I will undertake an economic evaluation of available health polices and use mathematical modelling techniques to ascertain the causal impact of HEP on the equity of health service delivery in Ethiopia.

My project aims to mobilise social science evidence and address significant challenges of equity and access in the Ethiopian health system