Summary of the Annual International Research Conference at Wallaga University
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Summary of the Annual International Research Conference at Wallaga University
Wallaga University successfully hosted a two-day Annual International Research Conference on February 20–21, 2025, under the theme: "Getting Research into Practice and Policy (GRIPP): Innovations and Technologies in Fostering a Health System."
His Excellency, Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, Acting President of Wallaga University, officially opened the conference and moderated discussions on keynote papers presented by two distinguished professors and Dr. Dereje Duguma, Ethiopia's State Minister of Health. In his opening remarks, Dr. Tesfaye expressed gratitude to the participants and wished them productive discussions.
Key Issues Raised
Participants engaged in discussions on pressing health challenges, including:
- Malaria prevalence and shortages of drugs and medical equipment, especially in rural areas.
- Climate change effects on health.
- Regulatory gaps in private drug stores and clinics.
- High medication costs and patient referrals to higher institutions.
- Availability and commitment of specialists.
- Drug expiration, efficacy, and resistance.
- Integration of traditional medicine into healthcare.
- Limited stakeholder collaboration and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.
- Low participation of female researchers in healthcare research.
Key Takeaways from the President’s Speech
Dr. Tesfaye emphasized the importance of applied university research in addressing real-world problems. He stressed the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, involving not just health professionals but also social scientists and agricultural researchers. He called for a shift in research traditions to ensure evidence-based findings inform policies and practices.
He also highlighted the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning in improving healthcare and urged universities to revise their structure, processes, and research culture to meet modern demands.
In general, before concluding the conference, rapporteurs summarized the key findings from parallel research sessions. The conference ended with responses from keynote speakers, paper presenters, and organizers to participants' comments and questions.
Dr. Tesfaye reaffirmed Wallaga University’s commitment to transforming from a conventional to an applied science university through research, teaching, and community service. He underscored that GRIPP requires integrating stakeholders into the research process from the beginning to ensure practical implementation and impact.