UMD Media, May 15, 2025
Thousands of health professionals across Ethiopia continued with a partial nationwide strike, demanding salary increases, improved benefits, and better working conditions. The strike, now in its third day, follows a month-long online mobilization under hashtags such as #HealthWorkersMatter and #PayHealthWorkersFairly.
Healthcare workers report facing intimidation and pressure from local authorities as they attempt to observe the strike. At Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital in the Oromia region, staff members encountered pressure from officials present since early morning.
The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) has expressed concern over the government’s response to the strike. EHPA President Yonatan Dagnaw was arrested on May 4 and remains in detention.
The Ministry of Health has urged medical professionals to halt the strikes, warning against disruption of healthcare services.
Amnesty International has raised concerns over the “crackdown” on health workers, citing reports of arbitrary arrests and intimidation.
As the strike continues, health professionals are calling for immediate government action to address their longstanding grievances.
There are reports of a large-scale federal police deployment underway in Addis Ababa, with even units assigned to guard critical infrastructure—such as power plants and dams—being abruptly withdrawn from their posts overnight.
This marks the first time Ethiopia has seen a coordinated, peaceful protest by professionals that spans the entire nation—from the war-scarred and isolated region of Tigray in the North to the farthest reaches of the lowlands in the South. In a country deeply fractured by years of conflict, this unified action by healthcare workers is unprecedented. Many warn that if the government proceeds with the violent crackdown hinted at in tonight’s statement, the strike will not remain contained.
