The Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with Population Services International Ethiopia (PSI), has launched a pilot project to provide vaccination services in pharmacies for the first time in the country, under Pharmaceutical-Based Immunisation Delivery (PBID). The programme seeks to include vaccination services in health centres and pharmacies to improve efficiency, focusing on time, distance, and convenience. The pilot is being implemented in Sheger City Administration’s Koye Feche District at Keta Borishe Community Pharmacy. The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) said that if the pilot proves successful, the model will be expanded nationwide. The initiative places Ethiopia among 64 countries that provide vaccinations through pharmacies. The programme involves 20 drugstores, with 96 pharmacists trained across three sessions to deliver the service. PSI said the shift from health facilities to pharmacies is expected to improve access and support a more inclusive immunisation system over time.

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