Bonga - March 28, 2025 (NIPN/EPHI) –Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Dr. Getachew Tollera, announced here yesterday that EPHI's cooperation with the health sector of the South West Ethiopia Region (SWER) would continue unabated.
The Deputy Director General made this pledge during the closing session of a transformative three-day workshop held in Bonga Town of the SWER. Organized by the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN), the workshop focused on experience sharing and knowledge transfer for health professionals and university staff in the South West Ethiopia Regional State (SWERS). The event, which was commenced on March 25, 2025 concluded successfully, empowering participants with a series of engaging and informative sessions.
After presenting two laptops, two Wi-Fi devices, four microscopes, and financial support of one million Ethiopian Birr to the SWER Public Health Institute (PHI), Dr. Getachew highlighted that technology gadgets, particularly computers, are essential for data analysis and informed decision-making. The Deputy Director General emphasized the importance of software training to ensure the provision of accurate information. He also stressed the critical need for collaboration between universities, the Regional Health Bureau, and other health sectors, including zonal health departments, noting that universities serve as vital knowledge hubs.
The Deputy Director General encouraged heads of the Health Bureau and SWEPHI to conduct site supervision and pledged that EPHI would consider covering the essential financial expenses.
Earlier, Dr. Geremew Tassew, Director for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Directorate of EPHI addressed the critical issue faced by the newly established regional state of SWE: the shortage of medical equipment. This limitation hinders the ability to adequately tackle pressing health concerns, particularly in the fight against malaria and other vector-borne diseases, according to nim.
Dr. Geremew noted that the modest contributions made by EPHI could alleviate some of the challenges encountered by SWEPHI. Additionally, there is a commitment to enhancing both human and animal health systems within the region. “As part of this initiative, training sessions focused specifically on malaria will be organized to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to combat this pressing health issue effectively,” he said.
Mr. Tamirat Bogale, Chief administrator of SWEPHI, appreciated the close support provided by EPHI and urged training participants to make the best use of the knowledge they acquired during the training.
Mr. Ibrahim Temam, head of the Regional Health Bureau, expressed gratitude to EPHI for the donation. He emphasized that the SWE Regional State is rich in resources and dedicated health professionals. He underscored the importance of training in strengthening the health sector and noted that effective medication depends on accurate information. Ibrahim further affirmed the commitment to collaboration beyond nutrition extending across the entire health system, highlighting the value of the training provided and thanking EPHI for the support.
NIPN Advisor for GIZ, Dr. Archana Sarkar, praised the activities of NIPN Ethiopia, stating, "NIPN Ethiopia is active and the best, and we are proud of it." She mentioned GIZ’s technical and financial involvement, highlighting support for the School Feeding Program and the development of a cost-effective school menu for Addis Ababa.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Dr. Aregash, lead Researcher at EPHI and NIPN-Ethiopia Coordinator said she was honored to welcome Dr. Getachew, Mr. Ibrahim, Mr. Tamirat, Dr. Geremew, and Dr. Archana. She provided a brief overview of the activities undertaken during the last three days of the workshop. Dr. Aregash said that the workshop aimed at equipping health professionals and university instructors from various health and higher learning institutes of SWER with knowledge and skills related to nutrition data analysis, policy formulation, and effective communication strategies.
NIPN-Ethiopia coordinator also stated that the donation provided by NIPN and EPHI to the region’s PHI would help the health practitioners facilitate their research in the health sector. Dr. Aregash further noted that NIPN-Ethiopia would strengthen collaboration with the regional public health institute and universities. (NIPN/EPHI)
