Diaspora Ethiopians lack among others up to date and reliable information regarding their country of origin; therefore, they are by and large disillusioned and regrettably, they are regularly confused on events currently upholding in their country of origin. As a result, some Diaspora Ethiopians become unnecessarily very active in activities that damage the national interest of their own people and country of origin and benefit the agenda of an enemy of their country of origin. In a sense, they become instruments of the enemy of their country. Also few self serving Diaspora Ethiopians particularly those individuals such as Dr. Negede Gobeze and the likes who were architects of the notorious Red Terror during the former military regime use this opportunity to confuse innocent Diaspora Ethiopians for personal, group or institutional benefits. These self serving enemies of the people of Ethiopia assisted by foreign based VOA and Douche Welle Amharic service radio stations and web sites such as the www. Ethio-Media.com still continues to poison innocent Ethiopians on a daily basis. They say among other things that nothing has been done in Ethiopia. They blame the government for everything it has done or has not done. They confuse facts and figures and come up with innuendos. Most importantly, they want to destroy the constitution that treats the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia equally and with respect. Whereas the government must do its homework in providing its Diaspora population with current information regarding the socio-economic and political development within the country on a regular basis, Diasporas themselves must also take responsibility to look at facts and not be persuaded by serving rhetoric coming from self serving individuals such as those mentioned and pass wrong judgment on the government from the sanctuary of the various destinations they are in. Health, education and agriculture are among the most important measurements in any countries development endeavor. The following brief observations are facts, not rhetoric. 

During the government Health sector Development Plan (HSDPI), a significant development has been undertaken during the last ten years. For example, the number of health centers increased from 243 in 1996 to 412 in 2001 which is a 70% increase. During the end of the second stage of the same program in 2004, the number of health centers increased to 519. This means, during the last ten years with these two stage programs, 298 new health centers have been established. In the same way, the government increased these services to 2,899 at the end of 2004. Consequently the government established 2676 new health centers within the years 20043/04. In addition, the number of hospitals during the first health development program increased from 86 in 1996 to110 in 2001 and during the second stage of the health development program in 2004, the number of hospitals increased to 126.  

With regard to Health related human resource development, during the first five year health sector development program, the number of health related employees increased from 16,782 in 1996 to 73,233 in 2001 and during the second part of the program, this number increased to 45,817 at the end of 2004. In addition, 2,800 health extension professionals were trained during the years 2004/05 and 7,138 have been undertaking training. Also during the last few years, 2374 senior and 651 junior health professionals have been undertaking professional training each year. Thus far, each year the same training has been reinforced by 6,733 each year. The following table explains the above facts:      

TABLE-1

THE INCREASE ON THE PRODUCTION OF SELECTED CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCE IN ETHIOPIA, DURING HSDP 1 AND 11 AS COMPARED TO THE  1988E.E.C.                                

 There has been an effort to increase the health services coverage in the country as well. As a result, in 2003/2004 the nation’s health services coverage has increased by 64%. This is exclusively governmental; however, adding non-governmental as well as the private sector the coverage reaches 73.2%. At present, the number of the private sector health clinic reached 1299. In addition, the number of contraceptive services increased from 4% to 23%, antenatal service coverage increased from 55 to 40.8%, post natal service coverage from 3.5% to 15.8%, family planning services increased to 18.7%% and immunization services program increased to 51%. Table 2 explains this fact in detail.                              

TABLE-2

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AVAILABLE HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH AND AVAILABILITY DURING THE HSDP I AND II AS COMPARED TO 1989 E.C.

 On Education: The Ethiopian government has placed a particular emphasis on quality education. As a result, pre-primary education enrolment increased from 80,835 in 1996/97 to 151,943 in 2004/2005 which is an increase of 88%.  Primary education (grade1-8) increased from 3.7 million in 1997/98 to 7 million in 2001/02. This trend continued with the annual average rate of 11.7%. Accordingly, the primary school enrolment in 2004/05 reached 11.4 million. With regard to secondary school (grade 9-12) enrolment, there has been an increase from 424,495 in 1996/97 to 942,578 in 2004/05 which is an increase of 121%. The total of Technical vocational school (TVET) increased from 17 in 1996/97 to 158 in 2003/04 and enrolment from 2,924 to 102,649 out of which 51.1% are female. Tertiary education has increased from 9,067(diploma 4,245 and undergraduate degree 4,821) in 1996/97 to 31, 997 (undergraduate degree program) in 2004/05. The total enrolment in higher education institutions (both government and private) has increased from 42, 132 to 172,111 in 2003/04. This indicated an increase of 309%. 

In the same manner, there has been a significant progress in the areas of, transportation, information and communication technology etc. This does not mean that what has been achieved thus far is enough. The country is still amongst the poorest ones and needs a consorted effort from its people from within and the Diaspora and also assistance from the international community in its effort to poverty reduction and sustainable redevelopment endeavor. It is apparent therefore, that Ethiopians in Diaspora in general and those with specific educational background and professional as well as entrepreneurial skills in particular can immensely contribute to the socio-economic development of their country of origin. Their business and development potential and areas of specialization can definitely be an asset to help build the economy of their country of origin. Further, their contribution in turn can have potent influence on social cohesion and economic integration in this country. The is a tremendous need of physicians who will work in various

clinics and hospitals of the country. Laboratory instruments, medicines, hospital facilities etc. are needed to help less equipped clinics and hospitals of the country. Also, health experts, doctors, surgeons, nurses, laboratory technicians and technologists etc. are much needed in the country. Schools, colleges, universities, libraries, books, computers, school accessories etc can help develop the country; therefore, Diaspora Ethiopians can help, NGOS, and the international community in general can help in that regard. 

Collaboration and contribution is the answer and certainly not aniti-development rallies at the back yards of foreign embassies and foreign governments simply to fulfill personal, group or institutional self serving political agenda. It is imperative therefore, that a collaborative effort is made between all stake holders to make a conducive and enabling environment for all stake holders i.e. the government, the Diaspora, international governmental and non-governmental agencies to play their positive role in enhancing development endeavor in the country.