By: Goshu Melisew
Ethiopia is hosting the 2025 Global Health Innovation and Quality Summit under the theme "Leveraging Health Innovation Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage." The three-day event, taking place from June 25–27, brings together health experts, policymakers, international organizations, and innovators from across the globe.
Opening the summit, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health emphasized the country’s ongoing efforts to address healthcare challenges through innovation. “By implementing health innovation startups, we have registered remarkable achievements especially in improving maternal and child health,” she noted, adding that Ethiopia has reduced malaria-related mortality and morbidity by 60%.
State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Bayisa Bedada, underlined that innovation is not a luxury but a necessity. “Innovation is the foundation for delivering improved services to our communities,” he said.
UNICEF’s Representative to Ethiopia, Hafsa Hassen, expressed the organization’s support for the summit and its goals. “UNICEF is pleased to contribute to this dialogue and will continue working alongside the Ethiopian government and other partners to drive practical, innovative solutions that bring us closer to universal health coverage,” she stated.
Dr. Owen Kaluwa, WHO Country Representative to Ethiopia, also urged the global community to embrace innovation in achieving equitable healthcare. He reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s health system through innovative approaches.
The summit features plenary sessions, panel discussions, and the presentation of various research studies, all aimed at accelerating progress toward universal health coverage through innovative health solutions.