Eswatini Delegation Visits EPHI to Advance CDC Development
A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini recently visited the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from May 26 to 29, 2025 to gain insights into Ethiopia’s successful public health strategies as part of Eswatini’s efforts to establish its own Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The visit highlights Eswatini’s dedication to strengthening its public health infrastructure by learning from established models such as EPHI, which has earned recognition across Africa for its comprehensive public health emergency management, advanced laboratory networks, public health research, and robust data management systems.
During the visit, the Eswatini delegation received detailed briefings on EPHI’s integrated approach to disease prevention and control, rapid response capabilities, research initiatives, and collaborations with national and international partners. The team also toured EPHI’s cutting-edge laboratories and emergency operations centers to observe firsthand the operational and governance frameworks that have underpinned the institute’s success.
Technical discussions focused on the key challenges and success factors in creating and sustaining a national public health institute/CDC, covering institutional development, capacity building, and sustainable management.
Dr. Melkamu Abte, Deputy Director General of EPHI, warmly welcomed the guests and emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation. “We believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge. Our journey has taught us many lessons, and we are honored to share these experiences with our brothers and sisters from Eswatini,” he said.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, the Eswatini delegation acknowledged the invaluable knowledge gained and reiterated the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
This visit marks an important milestone in fostering regional partnerships in public health and is expected to significantly aid Eswatini in establishing a resilient CDC, a critical institution to protect the health of its population.