Overview & Mission

Marie Stopes Ethiopia is the Ethiopian arm of the global MSI Reproductive Choices network. It was established in 1990 and has become a major provider of sexual and reproductive health services in the country. The organization’s mission is to deliver high-quality, affordable, voluntary sexual and reproductive health services, emphasizing client rights, choice, and accessibility. MSI Ethiopia works in partnership with the Ethiopian government and other stakeholders to help reduce maternal mortality, improve family planning coverage, and address unsafe abortion and post-abortion care.

Services & Operations
Locations & Accessibility

Operates 20 static centres across Ethiopia, including in Addis Ababa, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, SNNPR, and Dire Dawa.

In Addis Ababa alone, they run 6 clinics.

Outreach is supported by mobile teams that reach underserved and remote communities.

Static centres are typically open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while maternity centres run 24/7.

Range of Services

Family Planning & Contraception: Short-acting methods (pills, injectables), long-acting methods (IUDs, implants), emergency contraception, sterilization, and counseling.

Maternal & Child Health: Antenatal care, ultrasound, infection screening, birth planning, delivery, and postnatal care.

Pregnancy Crisis & Post-Abortion Care: Counseling, safe abortion (where permitted by law), miscarriage management, and aftercare.

Sexual & Reproductive Health: STI testing and treatment, fertility counseling, gynecological exams, cervical cancer screening, and general health checks.

Services for Men: Vasectomy, STI testing, male circumcision, condom provision.

Child Health: Neonatal care, immunizations, and baby health monitoring.

Impact & Reach

Reaches over a million people annually with family planning services.

Plays a significant role in preventing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, contributing to reductions in maternal mortality.

Has implemented humanitarian responses in crisis-affected areas, including providing mobile health teams to serve women and girls in conflict zones.

Governance, Leadership & Funding

Headquartered in Addis Ababa, with a national support office in Kirkos Sub City.

The Country Director is Dr. Abebe Shibru.

Funding comes from a mix of donor grants, foundation support, government and partner contributions, and service fees.

Uses a sliding scale and waiver system to ensure access for those who cannot pay.

Has faced challenges in the past from international donor policy changes, which affected service continuity in some areas.

Challenges & Considerations

Political & Regulatory Risk: Services such as abortion care can face restrictions due to legal or donor policy changes.

Access Issues: Operating in remote or conflict-affected areas poses logistical and security challenges.

Financial Sustainability: Heavy reliance on external donors makes the organization vulnerable to funding fluctuations.

Social & Cultural Barriers: Stigma around family planning and abortion can limit uptake.

Quality Assurance: Ensuring consistent, high-quality care across clinics and mobile teams requires significant oversight.