The Ethiopian Minister of Health, Dr Lia Tadesse, officially launched the Joint Assessment of the National Health Strategy (JANS) for Ethiopia on 21 August 2020 in a virtual launching meeting. The JANS will be conducted by an assessment team comprising independent international experts, including experts from the UN system, the World Bank, and development partners. The JANS team presented its plan of action for the conduct and delivery of the draft assessment report, and received important inputs to guide the JANS. Dr Lia expressed her appreciation at the composition of the joint assessment team, and assured the team that the Ministry will extend its unreserved support for the successful execution of the JANS. Although the joint assessment can be unique to each country, the process is based on some key principles: country-driven, country-led, built on existing processes, including an independent element, and engaging all the relevant stakeholders. The joint assessment will adopt a shared approach to review the strengths and weaknesses of the draft Health Sector Transformation Plan II (HSTP II) 2020/21-2024/25 and provide recommendations not only to enhance quality and relevance but to adopt a common vision to achieve health for all. Dr Lia emphasized that the findings of the joint assessment will be used as the basis for strengthening the HSTP II, and will also help guide decisions on technical and financial support.