ETHIOPIA RECOGNIZED AS REGIONAL BENCHMARK FOR GENDER INTEGRATION IN HEALTH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The selection of Ethiopia as the host for the GENPAR training forum, conducted from March 9 to March 13, 2026, serves as a definitive endorsement of the nation’s exemplary leadership in gender mainstreaming.
Ethiopia has been distinguished as a premier site for best practices regarding the integration of equity and gender within the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) framework. This designation underscores the country’s success in institutionalizing inclusive health strategies that serve as a model for the African continent.
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) stands at the forefront of this achievement, having been specifically recognized for its pioneering methodologies in gender integration within Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM). During the forum’s proceedings, Dr. Melkamu Abite, Deputy Director General of EPHI, elaborated on how the institute has successfully embedded gender-responsive protocols across its core thematic pillars. By anchoring leadership and gender activities within public health emergency management, laboratory systems, and research, EPHI ensures that health interventions are both equitable and effective from the grassroots community level to the national strategic tier.
The visiting delegation, representing twelve African nations and regional bodies such as IGAD and ECSA-HC, participated in rigorous experience-sharing sessions designed to transplant these successful Ethiopian models to their respective jurisdictions. A focal point of the training involved technical tours of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC). These site visits allowed participants to observe firsthand the operationalization of gender-sensitive data management and response coordination. The PHEOC professionals demonstrated how the National Public Health Emergency Contact Center functions as a critical conduit for inclusive communication during health crises.
Furthermore, the institute’s transition into a digital hub—utilizing advanced systems like DHIS2—was presented as a vital component of its best-practice status. This technological infrastructure facilitates the collection of gender-disaggregated data, which is essential for informed decision-making and the targeted allocation of resources during emergencies. The official inauguration of the Center of Excellence in Public Health Emergency Management by Her Excellency Dr. Mekdes, Minister of Health, further solidifies Ethiopia’s role as a regional epicenter for specialized health workforce development and resilient system architecture.
This high-level gathering confirms that EPHI’s strategic approach to gender integration is not merely an auxiliary function but a fundamental driver of health security. Through the collaborative efforts of international partners, including the World Bank and the World Health Organization, the lessons derived from Ethiopia’s success are poised to enhance the collective resilience of health systems throughout East, Central, and Southern Africa. The conclusion of the GENPAR training marks a significant advancement in the regional commitment to ensuring that no population group is marginalized during public health emergencies.