Addis Ababa, July 16, 2026 (FMC) — The President of Ethiopia Taye Atske-Selassie has called public health a cornerstone of the country’s national strength, development and security, emphasizing the strategic importance of protecting citizens’ health and strengthening public health institutions.
President Taye made the remarks today during the commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), marking 100 years of the institute’s service in public health research, disease surveillance, laboratory services and evidence-based policymaking.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, researchers and invited guests.
Addressing the occasion, President Taye said EPHI has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of citizens and strengthening Ethiopia’s health security, noting that its century-long journey demonstrates the country’s longstanding efforts to advance public health and build a resilient health system.
He stressed that national sovereignty and security are closely connected with public health, saying Ethiopia’s strength, the wellbeing of its people and its future development depend on effective protection of citizens’ health and the advancement of medical research and public health services.
The President commended EPHI’s achievements in addressing global health challenges, epidemics and communicable diseases since its establishment, highlighting its scientific leadership and rapid response during major outbreaks, including COVID-19, Mpox and Marburg.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public health institutions as a foundation for nation-building, stating that particular attention will be given to expanding EPHI’s infrastructure and technological capabilities.
President Taye also emphasized the need to further create enabling policy frameworks that enhance the institute’s effectiveness and competitiveness, while modernizing Ethiopia’s capacity to prevent and respond to public health emergencies based on lessons gained from previous experiences.
He underscored the importance of establishing a fast and modern data management and analysis system capable of forecasting disease outbreaks through the use of advanced technologies.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on EPHI’s 100 years of contribution to advancing public health research, disease prevention, laboratory services and evidence-based health policy development in Ethiopia.