Ensuring public health involves implementing policies, strategies, programs, and interventions that protect and improve the health of populations, with a focus on prevention, disease control, and promoting healthy behaviors and environments. Thus, it requires increased investment to safeguard and enhance the health of individuals and communities through organized efforts aimed at preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life for all.
Currently, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is contributing a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of society in Ethiopia. With a focus on disease prevention, control, and research, EPHI is working untiringly to address public health challenges and promote a healthier population. The close collaboration among government and private organizations enables the Institute to play a vital role in ensuring societal health in Ethiopia.
Accordingly, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is a government agency dedicated to improving public health in Ethiopia. Founded in 2009, the Institute serves as the leading public health institution in the country, working to strengthen the health system, conduct research, and provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers. EPHI’s mission is to enhance the health and well-being of all Ethiopians through innovative research, surveillance, and disease control programs.
Furthermore, the Institute plays a critical role in monitoring the spread of infectious diseases and implementing control measures to prevent outbreaks. By tracking disease trends, conducting epidemiological investigations, and implementing targeted interventions, EPHI helps to protect the public from the threat of communicable diseases.
In this regard, EPHI is at the forefront of public health research in Ethiopia, conducting studies on a wide range of health issues, from maternal and child health to infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases. By generating evidence-based data and recommendations, it informs public health policies and practices, leading to improved health outcomes for the population.
In doing so, EPHI invests in building the capacity of healthcare workers, researchers, and public health professionals across the country. Through training programs, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, EPHI strives to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals in the health sector, ensuring a strong and competent workforce to address public health challenges.
Moreover, EPHI plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness and response, particularly in times of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other health emergencies. By developing contingency plans, conducting simulation exercises, and coordinating with key stakeholders, EPHI helps to mitigate the impact of emergencies on public health and safety.
By fulfilling its mandate to protect and promote public health, EPHI has made a significant impact on societal health in Ethiopia. Through its surveillance and control efforts, EPHI has helped to reduce the burden of infectious diseases, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and strengthen the health system as a whole. EPHI’s research and innovation have led to the development of evidence-based policies and programs that have positively impacted the health and well-being of Ethiopians.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the initiatives undertaken by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) that has demonstrated Ethiopia’s firm commitment to developing a strong and resilient health system.
Officials from the WHO emphasized the significance of these advancements in improving the country’s health infrastructure and response capabilities during a visit to EPHI.
The officials emphasized the importance of maintaining this positive momentum and expediting the country’s efforts of ensuring public health.
The Acting Regional Director of WHO Africa, Chikwe Ihekweazu (MD), praised the various health initiatives led by EPHI, highlighting that they are not only inspiring but also hold the potential to bring significant benefits for the future.
Acknowledging that EPHI has been playing a crucial role in facilitating knowledge transfer, he assured that WHO would provide comprehensive support to ensure the necessary resources for these initiatives.
“WHO will continue its support so that Africa’s health systems are ready to face emerging threats.” The WHO’s support includes providing technical assistance, training, and resources to enhance national emergency management frameworks Ihekweazu reiterated.
Furthermore, he pointed out that EPHI’s research and development work focused on Africa has effectively addressed urgent health related challenges and made a significant impact on the continent’s health system.
The Acting Regional Director emphasized the critical need for countries to bolster their public health infrastructure to respond quickly and effectively to health emergencies. He highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts in building capacity for public health emergency management and commended the country for its work in improving preparedness and response mechanisms in the region.
“Ethiopia has made significant strides in strengthening its public health systems, and it is a model for the continent in terms of how nations can prepare for, manage, and mitigate the effects of health emergencies,” Dr. Ihekweazu appreciated Ethiopia as an important example for coordinating and mandating all one health-related activities.
Regional Emergency Director Abdou Salam Gueye on his part said that other regional, continental, and international organizations, including the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), could greatly benefit from EPHI’s exemplary practices and experiences.
He emphasized that Ethiopia’s substantial efforts in the health sector should be acknowledged, particularly given the region’s large population and size, he said, noting that Ethiopia would be remembered for its comprehensive and strategic response to the global health crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also recalled how Ethiopian Airlines played a pivotal role by delivering critical preventive and medical supplies worldwide during the unprecedented lockdown.
WHO leaders also commended the country’s initiatives and achievements in managing and mitigating the pandemic, noting that they serve as exemplary international best practices.
He added that EPHI will continue to strengthen and expand its initiatives by building on the valuable experiences and insights accumulated from health research and related fields over the past century.
Director General of EPHI Mesay Hailu elaborated on the Institute’s operational framework, emphasizing that its core mission is to effectively implement the objectives outlined in the national health policy.
EPHI will continue to strengthen and expand its initiatives by building on valuable experiences and insights accumulated from health research and related fields over the past century, he added.
In sum, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) plays a vital role in ensuring societal health across the country through its dedication to disease surveillance, research, capacity building, and emergency preparedness. Thus, EPHI contributes to a healthier and more resilient population as a leading public health institution in the country and continues to work towards its mission of enhancing the health and well-being of all Ethiopians.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 23 MARCH 2025
