Armauer Hansen Research Institute

Ethiopia Launches AI-SUSTAINS CVD Care Project Ethiopia has officially launched AI-SUSTAINS CVD Care project; a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming cardiac care through Artificial Intelligence. The project was launched last Friday in a collaborative effort between the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) and MI4People, Germany, with the generous funding from the Bavarian State Chancery. Led by Minyahil Tadesse Boltena, senior researcher at AHRI, the project marks a major milestone in modernizing Ethiopia’s healthcare system with cutting-edge diagnostic technology. As part of the launch, advanced Digital Electrocardiography (ECG) Analysis Machines have been distributed to 10 selected hospitals across the country. These AI-powered devices analyze heart health in seconds, displaying results instantly for physicians and enabling rapid clinical decisions. A built-in web portal also allows doctors to access remote medical support when needed bridging a critical gap in early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Why It matters: • Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality in Ethiopia. • Early diagnosis has historically been difficult due to limited resources. • AI-SUSTAINS CVD Care introduces fast, reliable, and scalable diagnostics. What’s next: The project aims to deploy 200 additional machines to 100 hospitals within the next five months. To ensure successful implementation, healthcare professionals will receive comprehensive training on how to operate and integrate the new technology into clinical workflows. AHRI & MI4People’s Vision: As institutions committed to technology and knowledge transfer, AHRI and MI4People are driving innovation in Ethiopian healthcare. This initiative is expected to: • Enhance early detection of heart disease • Reduce cardiac-related mortality • Improve patient outcomes through timely intervention Professor Afework Kassu, Director General of AHRI, has called on regional health bureaus, hospitals, and medical professionals to actively support the success of AI-SUSTAINS CVD Care. This launch is a powerful example of how international collaboration, visionary leadership, and advanced technology can reshape healthcare delivery and save lives. @Afework Kassu Gizaw @Alemseged Abdissa @Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor)@ AKILILU ALEMU

AHRI-GCE-Supported Innovator Simbona Africa Healthcare Gets EFDA Approval for Life-Saving Neonatal Devices   Ethiopia has reached a significant milestone for local healthcare innovation with the official approval of Simbona Africa Healthcare Engineering's neonatal medical devices by the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA). Designed and manufactured locally, the infant radiant warmer and LED phototherapy units are crucial for treating hypothermia and neonatal jaundice in newborns. This achievement is a major success for the AHRI-GCE Health Innovation Platform, which has supported Simbona for over a decade. As one of the program's first awardees ten years ago, Simbona received crucial financial and technical support from AHRI-GCE throughout the entire innovation process. This early-stage backing, including funding, technical guidance, and mentorship, was instrumental in transforming their initial idea into fully realized, commercially viable devices that meet world-class standards. This success demonstrates AHRI-GCE's long-term commitment to nurturing and commercializing local innovations. It also serves as a powerful motivator for all AHRI-GCE innovators, proving that sustained support, dedication, and local expertise can create lasting impact for newborn health in Ethiopia. @Afework Kassu Gizaw@Alemseged Abdissa@Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor)

Advancing Health Security through Local Pharmaceutical Input Production In alignment with the global momentum surrounding cassava-highlighted during the recent World Cassava Day on June 28-the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) organized a high-level dissemination workshop titled: “Local Input Development for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Feasibility Study on Starch Production from Cassava.” The forum convened key stakeholders from across the private sector, academia, research institutions, financial organizations, development partners, government bodies, and the media. Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Frehiwot Abebe, State Minister of Health, emphasized the strategic importance of linking agriculture and industry through research: “Turning local plants such as cassava into viable pharmaceutical inputs through rigorous research and market integration is vital. With the government’s unwavering commitment to foster local pharmaceutical production, we’ve already witnessed significant progress—domestic public market share has grown from just 8% a few years ago to over 41% today. Initiatives like this are key to sustaining and accelerating that momentum.” Prof. Afework Kassu, Director General of AHRI, also underscored the study’s alignment with national priorities: “This feasibility study represents a critical step in transforming scientific knowledge into scalable investment opportunities. It allows us to reduce reliance on imports, empower local industries, and support our national goals through evidence-based development.” A feasibility study presented by IPS highlights compelling outcomes for cassava starch production in Ethiopia: over 50% ROI, 14,611 tons annual output, and 117 new jobs. It also forecasts engaging 35,000+ farmers and achieving ~90% import substitution. This aligns with complementary research from Addis Ababa and Wolaita Sodo Universities on cassava's industrial and pharmaceutical value. Asst. Professor Messay Wolde-Mariam, Deputy Director General for the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Sector at AHRI, closed the session with a strong call to action: “As part of AHRI’s core mandate to support local pharmaceutical manufacturing through research and innovation, this study marks a first milestone. Our next task is to translate these findings into action by working with government and private partners to mobilize investment and establish the plant—contributing to Ethiopia’s medium-term public development and industrialization agenda.” The event concluded with a formal handover of the feasibility study report by AHRI, the Industrial Projects Service, and the Ministry of Health, symbolizing a shared commitment to advancing local input production and strengthening Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical industry.

Join us tomorrow, July 15th, for a compelling webinar on "Strategic Research Communications Through Data Storytelling"! Our panel will explore "From Data to Dialogue: African Perspectives on Communicating Research for Change." Don't miss out! #DataStorytelling #ResearchCommunication #Africa #Webinar#Ahri#DSWB @Afework Kassu Gizaw@Alemseged Abdissa@Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor)@AKILILU ALEMU@Dejytnu Mulaw@Meseret Mamuye@Sintayehu Dadi

Urgent Call for Rapid Response to Cryptosporidiosis Diarrhea in Children in Ethiopia! Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A vital stakeholder meeting recently convened in Addis Ababa to address the critical issue of Cryptosporidiosis Diarrhea (Crypto) in children. The discussion centered on a groundbreaking new rapid testing and treatment strategy (Crypto T&T) designed to swiftly combat this debilitating disease and save child lives. Cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal infection caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite, disproportionately affects children, leading to severe and prolonged diarrhea. Its transmission through contaminated water, food, and poor hygiene poses a significant threat, especially to vulnerable and immunocompromised children. The innovative Crypto T&T strategy integrates rapid diagnostic methods with immediate treatment, empowering healthcare professionals, even in remote areas, to make swift, life-saving decisions without the delays of traditional lab testing. This rapid approach is crucial for prompt and effective intervention. Key Objectives of this initiative include: Reducing disease severity and duration Controlling the spread of infection Decreasing child mortality rates Enhancing overall health service delivery The meeting saw robust participation from experts from the Ministry of Health, public health specialists, medical practitioners, regional experts, and other key stakeholders. A strong consensus emerged: this rapid diagnosis and treatment strategy holds immense potential to significantly improve child health outcomes across Ethiopia. We anticipate that the findings from this study will provide crucial data for future health policy formulation and inspire greater investment in child health initiatives nationwide. Let's work together to protect our children and build a healthier future for Ethiopia! #ChildHealth #PublicHealth #Ethiopia #Cryptosporidiosis #RapidResponse #HealthcareInnovation #GlobalHealth #MOH #HealthPolicy #Afework Kassu Gizaw#Alemseged Abdissa#Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor)#AKILILU ALEMU

Ethiopia's Vaccine R&D Future: A Landmark Workshop! 🧪 The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) hosted a pivotal workshop, "Vaccine Research, Development and Production for Better Public Health." This event underlined Ethiopia's 70+ years in vaccine production and its commitment to bolstering local capacity. Discussions focused on sharing knowledge, enhancing domestic production to meet demand (AHRI produces 35K anti-rabies doses annually, with national demand at 55-60K), fostering collaboration, and embracing new technologies. As AHRI Director General Prof. Afework Kassu urged, it's about transforming challenges into opportunities with "speed and innovation." Dr. Getachew Tolera Deputy Director of EPHI emphasized, "Vaccines are more than medicines—they are tools for justice, progress, and unity... We must ensure every Ethiopian, and every African, has access to life-saving vaccines made in Africa, for Africa." This workshop marks a significant stride towards strengthening Ethiopia's vaccine science and ensuring universal access to vital vaccines. #VaccineR&D #PublicHealth #Ethiopia #AHRI #AfricanMade #HealthcareInnovation @Afework Kassu Gizaw@Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor)@Alemseged Abdissa

National Traditional Medicine Conference Held : Pushing for Evidence-Based Integration The 2025 National Traditional Medicine Scientific Conference recently wrapped up in Adama, Ethiopia, with a strong focus on "Towards Evidence Based Integration." This key event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior government officials, researchers, traditional medicine practitioners, and representatives from health bureaus and educational institutions. The conference aimed to bridge ancestral wisdom with modern scientific methodologies to foster national efforts in traditional medicine. A key goal is to increase the availability of Ethiopian traditional medicines derived from indigenous plants for wider community use. Health development, particularly strengthening traditional medicine services and integrating them with modern practices, is a vital part of Ethiopia's economic reform agenda. Professor Afework Kassu, Director General of AHRI, highlighted the crucial role of research and development in traditional medicine, emphasizing that Ethiopia's indigenous knowledge is a strong foundation. He noted the extensive knowledge ancient Ethiopians accumulated in preventing diseases, which has been passed down through generations. Ms. Sameera Sultan, State Representative for Resource Management and Control at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged promising progress. However, she pointed out that despite over 80% of the population using traditional medicine and Ethiopia's rich herbal resources (with 10% of 6,000-7,000 plant species being endemic), the nation hasn't fully maximized its health and economic benefits from this sector. Discussions at the forum also addressed significant challenges: Lack of a cohesive national approach. Shortage of trained professionals. Absence of a strong legal framework, policy, and strategy. Insufficient coordination and research. Low public awareness. Lack of a robust traditional medicine association and a proper knowledge management system. Ms. Sultan stressed the urgency of tackling these challenges through comprehensive research and stakeholder coordination, expressing optimism that the conference would generate valuable recommendations. hashtag #TraditionalMedicine #Ethiopia #Healthcare #EvidenceBasedMedicine #PublicHealth #AHRI #MinistryOfHealth @Afework Kassu Gizaw@Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor)@Alemseged Abdissa@Dejytnu Mulaw

Celebrating Five Decades of Impact: AHRI's 55 Years of Research Excellence The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) is proud to announce its annual event commemorating 55 years of groundbreaking contributions to health research, innovation, development, and production. This initiative highlights AHRI's significant impact both in Ethiopia and globally. The ongoing inaugural event showcases AHRI's remarkable achievements over the past five decades, providing a crucial platform for stakeholders, including senior health sector leaders, to witness the institute's progress in advancing evidence-based decision-making and fostering innovation. State Minister at Ethiopia's Ministry of Health, Frehiwot Abebe, emphasized the critical role of research in a rapidly changing world, noting, "Research outcomes from AHRI have led to changes in many healthcare systems internationally, particularly for infectious diseases, with numerous findings entering global protocols." Operating under an expanded mandate (Council of Ministers Regulation No. 530/2015), AHRI now focuses on diverse areas including biomedical, clinical, vaccine, diagnostic, and medical device research, as well as the development of traditional and modern medicines and pharmaceutical industry advancements. AHRI's Director General, Professor Afework Kassu, stressed the shared responsibility: "For health sector R&D to succeed and benefit the community, all relevant stakeholders must fulfill their roles." This reinforces the need for collaborative efforts to translate research into tangible community health improvements. #AHRI #HealthResearch #Innovation #Ethiopia #GlobalHealth #55YearsOfExcellence @Afework Kassu Gizaw, @Messay Wolde-Mariam (Asst. Professor), @Alemseged Abdissa, @Dejytnu Mulaw