Ethiopia’s Emergency Medical Team Receives WHO Type 1 Fixed Classification, First in Africa

Addis Ababa, September 15, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has reached a significant milestone in strengthening its emergency preparedness and response capacity, with the Ethiopian Emergency Medical Team formally classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Team, the first such classification in Africa.

Speaking at the recognition ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said the classification marked an important achievement in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response.

“Today, Ethiopia celebrates a meaningful milestone in our journey to strengthen emergency preparedness and response: the formal classification of the Ethiopian Emergency Medical Team (EMT) as a WHO Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Team,” she said.

According to Dr. Mekdes, the achievement is the result of years of commitment, learning, collaboration and the dedication of people working to ensure that Ethiopia’s health system is prepared to respond when emergencies occur.

She said the classification also recognizes the growing capacity of Ethiopia’s health professionals and institutions, as well as the country’s determination to provide timely, quality care to people when they need it most.

“But this is not the end of the journey,” Dr. Mekdes said, stressing that the classification provides a strong foundation for further strengthening emergency medical response capacity.

“We will continue to sustain these standards, strengthen our national EMT, and expand emergency medical response capacity across the regions, bringing quality emergency care closer to communities,” she added.

Dr. Mekdes expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian Emergency Medical Team, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, regional health institutions, health professionals, government institutions and partners that contributed to the achievement.

She also acknowledged the WHO EMT Secretariat, the United Kingdom and development and technical partners for their continued support and collaboration throughout the process.

“Today, we celebrate more than a classification. We celebrate the people, partnerships, and perseverance behind it,” she said, adding that Ethiopia would continue working to be better prepared, respond faster and protect more lives when emergencies arise.

WHO Representative to Ethiopia Prof. Francis Kasolo commended the Emergency Medical Team for its response to major emergencies, including landslides, COVID-19 and the Marburg virus, among other crises.

Dr. Melkamu Abte, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, said the classification would provide additional capacity for the team’s rapid response to emergencies both within Ethiopia and in other African countries.

Ethiopia is also set to host an international emergency medical teams conference in two months, according to the Health Minister.