Ministry of Health launches AI tool to support frontline health workers in remote areas
via The Reporter Ethiopia7 min read
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with US-based Last Mile Health, has introduced HEP Assist, an artificial intelligence-powered assistant for health extension workers HEWs in remote regions. This tool, which uses a Retrieval-Augmented Generation RAG system, draws information exclusively from 100 Ministry of Health guidelines. The initiative is currently being piloted across seven regions and 15 woredas, including Oromia, Sidama, Afar, South Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia, Harari, and the Dire Dawa city administration. These areas were chosen due to limited access to higher-level health facilities and the need for clinical decision support among HEWs. HEP Assist allows HEWs to submit queries via voice or text in multiple languages, including Amharic, Afarigna, Oromiffa, Tigrinya, Somali, and English, receiving guideline-based responses with cited references. Since its introduction in January 2025, the tool has facilitated over 6,000 consultations. An offline version is under development to address connectivity issues. HEWs in Mirab Abaya Woreda have reported improved service delivery, reduced unnecessary referrals, and enhanced ability to manage cases independently. This initiative aligns with the country鈥檚 broader digital transformation agenda under Digital Ethiopia 2030, with plans for wider expansion after evaluation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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