Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ministry of Health is calling on partners and stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches to improve healthcare services in Ethiopia. The call was made during the 8th National Healthcare Innovation and Quality Summit, under the theme “Promoting Health System Innovation to Enhance Healthcare Quality, Safety and Equity.”
According to the Ethiopian News Agency, there is a pressing need for innovative technologies to enhance the quality of health services in the country.
The summit facilitated the exchange of best practices and identified future areas of focus for healthcare innovation. Dr. Mekdes stressed the importance of quality research in providing health services that can inform policy and strategy. She acknowledged the role of innovative approaches demonstrated by hospitals, institutions, and regional states in making the healthcare sector more effective and efficient.
Louise Agersnap, Innovation Hub Head at WHO Headquarters, highlighted the necessity of innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. She emphasized the challenges in translating WHO guidelines into better health outcomes, advocating for collaborative learning and innovative capabilities within public sector organizations.
Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology, noted the scattered nature of innovation and technology works in the health sector and expressed readiness to strengthen innovation activities. The summit, attended by stakeholders including the UN, regional bureau heads, donors, partners, and private health institution heads, underscored the collaborative effort needed to ensure the health sector provides effective and affordable services.