Despite the present economic and humanitarian situation, this year's national budget for Ethiopia (passed in July) commits the Ethiopian Government to further increases in the levels of social spending to promote the expansion of basic services and improve human development.
Through a number of sector programmes, the Department for International Development supports this government priority through improving the availability and quality of health, education and water and sanitation services, particularly in poorly served rural areas in Ethiopia.
During 2008-09, we will be spending approximately £38.5 million on education services, £20.5 million on health services, and £10.5 million on water services. These resources will make a significant contribution to increasing the numbers of schools and teachers, health clinics and health workers, water points and latrines in rural areas.