Health System Transformation is at the heart of every healthcare reform initiative, Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister, Ministry of Health.
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A two-days International Research Conference on the grand theme: ''Getting Research into Practice and Policy (GRIPP): Innovations and Technologies in Fostering a Health System” which has been held on 20th and 21st February, 2025 at Wallaga University was successfully completed.It was reported that following the announcement of the International Research Conference by Research, Technology Transfer Vice President’s office in collaboration with Institute of Health Science (HIS), 25 research articles relevant to the theme were identified and selected out of which 23 researchers(92%) have managed to present their papers/articles both virtually (online) and in person.
The International Research Conference was graced with keynote speeches oftwo known, senior professors and researchers, Professor Zeleke Mekonnen (from Jimma University) and Professor Vanessa (from The University of Newcastle, Australia) and a higher Government Official, Dr. Dereje Duguma, (a State Minister, Ministry of Health, Ethiopia).
Dr. Dereje Duguma, a State Minister, a keynote speech on the theme of the Conference, “Getting Research into Practice and Policy: Innovations and Technology in Fostering Health System in Ethiopia.” His Excellency, noted that the Ministry is acutely aware of the rapidly evolving challenges that our health systems face, not only in Ethiopia but around the globe. Whether it’s dealing with the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the on-going threat of infectious diseases, or the need for an equitable and sustainable health system, the urgency of transforming health delivery has never been more evident, he said. Health System Transformation is at the heart of every healthcare reform initiative. In Ethiopia, our health system is evolving, but we recognize that substantial transformation is still required to achieve universal health coverage for all Ethiopians. The rapid pace of urbanization, the demographic shift with a growing young population, and emerging health challenges, such as non-communicable diseases, make it imperative to rethink how we design and implement health services. To this end, His Excellency remarked that moving away from the traditional approach and embracing a people-cantered approach that prioritizes equity, accessibility, and the efficient delivery of care, is becoming mandatory. The integration of health information technology into everyday practice such as utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) and health management information systems (HMIS), we can enhance the monitoring of health outcomes, streamline services, and ensure better decision-making at every level which in turn lead to improving care delivery.
His Excellency, Dr. Dereje Duguma, has also emphasized in His Keynote speech that traditional healing practices, a wealth of knowledge and experience, have been integral to the health and wellness of our communities for centuries, and they remain a primary source of care, especially in rural areas. Research into traditional medicines offers a dual benefit: while it preserves and enhances cultural heritage it also provides an opportunity to discover new treatments and therapies. As we confront drug resistance and rising healthcare costs, ethno-botanical research studying the medicinal properties of indigenous plants becomes more critical, he underscored. However, integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems requires careful and responsible research to ensure that these remedies are safe, effective, and evidence-based, He advised.
Digital and Technologies in the Health System, offers an extraordinary opportunity to leapfrog some of the traditional challenges we face in delivering care, particularly in low-resource settings.
Digital health technologies from artificial_intelligence (AI) and machine_learning to telemedicine and mobile_health_apps are not just concepts for the future; they are being used today to improve healthcare delivery. The Health System Transformation, Traditional Medicine, and Digital Technologies are not separate or isolated elements; they are interconnected, and the integration of these areas can catalyse profound improvements in healthcare outcomes, He affirmed.
The conference is an opportunity for all of us including #researchers, #policymakers, healthcare_professionals, and students to unite around the common goal of making health research actionable and policy-oriented. The findings from the conference will contribute directly to the efforts we are making at the Ministry of Health to advance universal health coverage and ensure equitable health access for all Ethiopians; he encouraged the participants of the conference.
Finally, He thanked Wallaga University and the Institute of Health Sciences (HIS) for hosting the conference and for its commitment to advancing health research in Ethiopia.
The Conference was of gicially opened by Dr. Tesfaye Kemma, Wallaga University's acting president following Dr. Diriba Diba's VPRTT, Welcoming address.