The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Ethiopia and the University of Gondar have signed a two-year Project Collaboration Agreement (2026–2027) to strengthen health financing research, institutional capacity and evidence-informed policymaking in support of Ethiopia’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The agreement, signed at the WHO Ethiopia Country Office on 28 July 2026, establishes a strategic platform for collaborative research, capacity building and policy dialogue on health financing. It is the first collaboration of its kind between WHO and an Ethiopian university in the field of health financing and reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening health financing reforms through nationally led research and institutional partnerships.
The signing ceremony was attended by the WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo; senior officials from the Ministry of Health; the Vice President and senior leadership of the University of Gondar; and the leadership of the Health and Population Network (a Health Sector Development Partners Group) represented by the UNFPA.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Kasolo commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership in advancing health system reforms and Universal Health Coverage.
“The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to strengthening national capacity for policy-relevant research, institutional development and evidence-informed decision-making for Ethiopia’s health sector,” said Professor Kasolo.
He noted that a recent Health Financing and Economics Capacity Assessment conducted by the MOH through the FENOT Project/Associates identified important opportunities to strengthen analytical and institutional capacity across the health sector, particularly in health economics research, health financing analysis, strategic purchasing and evidence-informed planning. He emphasized that sustainable health financing reforms depend on strong national institutions capable of generating and translating high-quality evidence into policy and practice.
Professor Kasolo also recognized the University of Gondar as one of Ethiopia’s leading higher education institutions, with a long-standing record of excellence in medical education, public health research and community engagement. He noted that the university has made significant contributions to strengthening Ethiopia’s health workforce and generating evidence to support national health priorities.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Muluken Argaw, the Lead Executive Officer for the Strategic Affairs Executive Office, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, health equity and financial protection. He emphasized that health financing reform remains central to sustaining the country’s health gains and addressing emerging health system challenges, while underscoring the importance of evidence-informed policymaking to guide strategic financing decisions and reforms.
Speaking on behalf of the University of Gondar, Vice President Dr. Ayinishet Adane highlighted the critical role of Ethiopian universities in advancing national health priorities through research, education and innovation. He noted that the partnership will further strengthen the university’s contribution to generating locally relevant evidence that informs health financing policy and supports national health system reforms.
The collaboration will support health financing research, strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health, its agencies and Regional Health Bureaus, facilitate policy dialogue, and generate knowledge products, including policy briefs, technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. It will also contribute to strengthening the health system’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges, including the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases and the health needs of an ageing population.
The agreement represents an important step towards a longer-term institutional partnership under WHO’s Collaborating Centers framework. By strengthening national research institutions and promoting locally generated evidence, the partnership is expected to contribute to more equitable, efficient and financially sustainable health systems in Ethiopia.
Established in 1954, the University of Gondar is one of Ethiopia’s oldest and largest public universities. The university has played a pivotal role in training generations of health professionals and advancing research that supports national and regional health priorities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.