An Overview of Emergency Medicine in Ethiopia: Historical Developments, Current States, a Narrative Review

Emergency medicine has undergone significant recognition and development globally over the past 6 decades, with its establishment in Ethiopia occurring only a decade ago.

To evaluate the evolution of emergency medicine in Ethiopia.

A narrative review of secondary data was conducted to examine the evolution and adaptation of emergency and critical care medicine in Ethiopia over the past decade. This included an assessment of the establishment of specialty training program, its adaptation and evolution within the country. A narrative review analyzed policy, training, and infrastructural developments in Ethiopian emergency medicine (2009-2024), highlighting capacity growth, challenges, and stakeholder engagement.

In 2013, there were only 4 specialists in emergency medicine, but this number surged to 201 by November 2024. The number of institutions offering specialty training expanded from 1 to 8 between 2010 and 2024, with 203 residents currently enrolled in specialty training programs. Despite the substantial increase in both the number of graduates and training institutions, the ratio of emergency and critical care physicians to the population remains low, standing at just 1 physician for every 597,014 people as of November 2024.

Emergency medicine in Ethiopia has seen remarkable progress over the past decade, highlighted by a substantial increase in specialized training programs and a fifty-fold rise in the number of graduates. This growth underscores the increasing recognition of emergency medicine's essential role in healthcare, enhancing the quality of care and health outcomes. Nevertheless, the physician-to-population ratio remains concerning, indicating a critical resource gap that must be addressed to ensure effective healthcare delivery.