Ethiopia: Extended health insurance support for destitute and marginalized communities in Ethiopia

Access to healthcare is a basic human necessity. However, getting healthcare services is a major challenge for the destitute in Lalibela and marginalized communities of the Manja and Fuga tribes in southern Ethiopia.

Due to their remote location, stigmatization, and limited resources, the marginalized communities of Fuga and Manja lack health facilities, qualified medical personnel, and the means to overcome financial constraints. The Manja tribe is particularly vulnerable to infections and suffers from elephantiasis (leg swelling). As a result, many members of these tribes are unable to access the required medical care, though health insurance.

PBF has primarily targeted the patients, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, single mothers, and children who do not have access to healthcare services over the last five years. PBF has contributed a community-based health insurance program that will allow all family members to get free medical care with a single ID card.

In Lalibela, the PBF memorial clinic has contributed eye treatment campaigns freely for thousands of people. Destitute and marginalized populations in the area have greatly benefited from these initiatives, improving their overall health and well-being.

In Lalibela and surroundings, PBF has contributed to 645 women house heads and 507 male house head families. A total of 1,152 households were beneficiaries for community-based health insurance in the 2026 fiscal year.

The distribution of the CBHI assistance program through kebeles in the districts of Lalibela and Lasta is displayed in the statistics below.

PBF has also provided 430 households for the Manga tribe and 90 households for the Fuga in southern Ethiopia for marginalized communities.

PBF’s efforts have significantly impacted marginalized communities in Ethiopia, particularly the Manga and Fuga tribes in southern regions. By providing health insurance to a total of 1,672 households, PBF has played a crucial role in improving access to healthcare for over 8,360 family members in 2026.

These initiatives have helped bridge the gap in healthcare access for underprivileged populations, leading to improved health outcomes and overall well-being. PBF’s commitment to reaching marginalized communities demonstrates their dedication to equitable healthcare for all.

Abebe Zewdu and Getachew Sale for PBF Health program