In a significant effort to enhance health emergency preparedness and response in Ethiopia and the surrounding region, the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) have launched an advocacy initiative for the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Center of Excellence. This initiative was unveiled during a high-level panel discussion in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, stated, “Excellence is not a destination but a continuous pursuit—and with this spirit, we launch a bold initiative to elevate Ethiopia’s emergency preparedness and response to new heights.”

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting Regional Director of WHO Africa, added, “WHO is proud to stand alongside Ethiopia on this journey. We look forward to collaborating to enhance our regional expertise and ensure we are prepared for any emergency.”

The event, themed “Strengthening Health Emergency Preparedness in Ethiopia and the Region: Towards a Center of Excellence,” gathered key stakeholders, including the Africa CDC, WHO, the World Bank, the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), and various national and international partners.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of EPHI, stressed the urgent need to strengthen Ethiopia’s public health emergency management through a dedicated center. “The PHEM Center of Excellence is not just a vision—it is a necessity,” he emphasized. It will serve as a hub for excellence in surveillance, preparedness, response, training, and innovation tailored to both national and regional needs.

The panel discussion delved into the rationale, strategic objectives, and potential benefits of the Center, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent cholera outbreaks. It also focused on opportunities for mobilizing investments and partnerships essential for the Center’s establishment and sustainability.

The envisioned PHEM Center of Excellence aims to be a cutting-edge facility that provides advanced training, fosters innovation, and promotes regional collaboration for timely and effective emergency response.

This launch marks the beginning of a campaign for advocacy and resource mobilization to secure the political, technical, and financial support needed to bring the Center to realization.