ADDIS ABABA – The Ethio Health Exhibition and Congress is playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare accessibility and advancing Ethiopia’s universal health coverage efforts, the Ministry of Health (MoH) stated.
The 9th Ethio Health Exhibition and Congress and the 4th International Suppliers Conference, organized by Prana Events, officially commenced yesterday and will run from February 20–22 at Millennium Hall.
Speaking at the inaugural event, MoH Minister Mekdes Daba(MD) emphasized that the gathering comes at a crucial time when the MoH is working diligently to modernize healthcare infrastructure, strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, and embrace digital health solutions.
She highlighted that Ethiopia’s hospital and health center expansions, along with the integration of advanced medical technologies, reflect the government’s steadfast commitment to building a resilient healthcare system.
She, moreover, stressed that achieving universal health coverage requires strong public-private sector collaboration, the adoption of cutting-edge medical technology, and the establishment of global partnerships.
According to Mekdes, Ethiopia’s health sector has undergone significant advancements over the past decade, driven by state-led initiatives, public-private partnerships, and technological breakthroughs.
She noted that by bringing together healthcare professionals, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, the event serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and the development of sustainable healthcare solutions.
The Ministry remains committed to integrating digital health technologies, AI-driven solutions, and data-centric decision-making into Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
Mekdes called for partnerships and collective action to further develop the sector, benefiting not only Ethiopia but also the broader African region.
Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner, Zeleke Temesgen(PhD), underscored that Ethiopia is rapidly transforming its healthcare landscape to enhance accessibility, quality, and efficiency.
“Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical sector presents one of the most promising investment opportunities,” Zeleke remarked.
He elaborated that the government is actively fostering partnerships with global investors to establish local pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, ensuring affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical technologies. To accelerate healthcare infrastructure projects, the government has introduced incentives, including land allocations, duty-free imports of construction materials, and long-term tax benefits for investors.
The integration of digital health solutions is also revolutionizing Ethiopia’s healthcare system. Zeleke emphasized the government’s strong commitment to e-health and telemedicine, highlighting major investment opportunities in health information systems, remote diagnostics, and AI-driven medical innovations.
He urged stakeholders and investors to explore Ethiopia’s immense potential in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, healthcare infrastructure, and digital health. “Investing in Ethiopia’s health sector is not just a business opportunity but an investment in well-being, resilience, and sustainable development across Africa,” he stated.
The event has attracted international participants from Austria, China, Germany, India, the U.S., Kenya, Portugal, Iran, Turkey, and the UAE, all showcasing high-quality healthcare solutions designed to meet Ethiopia’s growing medical service demands.
The Ethio Health Exhibition and Congress continue to serve as a catalyst for transformation, fostering collaborations, driving innovations, and shaping the future of Ethiopia’s healthcare industry.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2025
