Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at modernizing the health sector through technology, data science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The agreement paves the way for both institutions to integrate their expertise, technology, and resources to collaborate on public health, medicine, and biomedical research. The partnership primarily focuses on improving public health through the application of data science and innovative technologies.
Key focal areas of the agreement include jointly developing digital information technologies and AI models for early disease prediction, tracking transmission dynamics, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, applied research will be conducted on maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, epidemic preparedness, and primary healthcare. The agreement also encompasses creating advanced training opportunities for young researchers and health professionals, as well as jointly mobilizing financial resources to execute collaborative projects.
Prof. Afework Kassu, Director General of AHRI, emphasized that the synergy between the two institutions plays a vital role in realizing this major vision. He stated that while AHRI leads as a center for science, research, and innovation, Amref brings extensive experience and reach in technology implementation and health service expansion. He expressed full confidence that combining the knowledge, technical capacity, and resources of both institutions will bring tangible and sustainable health improvements to citizens in Ethiopia and across Africa.
Dr. Addis Tamire, Country Director of Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, noted that Amref operates in 35 African countries with over 2,000 staff members dedicated to improving health services. He reaffirmed their readiness to scale health innovations beyond the testing phase and expand the partnership not only in Ethiopia but across the entire continent.
This partnership is highlighted as a major contribution toward building sustainable health systems and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals at both the national and continental levels.
