The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) has officially kicked off its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of shielding the nation from health crises. The landmark celebration in Addis Ababa was graced by FDRE President Taye Atske Selassie, who hailed the institute as the absolute "backbone" of Ethiopia’s healthcare system. In his keynote address, President Taye remarked that for the past century, EPHI has stood as the ultimate shield for citizens, translating scientific research into lifesaving national policies and ensuring health security.
This sprawling, state-of-the-art national institution had incredibly humble beginnings. Attendees at the celebration walked down memory lane, recalling how EPHI started as a tiny clinical laboratory in the Gulele sub-city of Addis Ababa. Inspired by the pioneering medical work of Dr. Thomas Lambie, the institution underwent multiple historic transformations over the last ten decades to become the comprehensive national hub it is today. Throughout its century-long journey, EPHI’s core strength has been its ability to bridge the gap between science and governance, turning complex laboratory data into practical, nation-wide health policies.
Speaking at the event, EPHI Director General Dr. Mesay Hailu emphasized that whenever public health threats emerge, EPHI is always the first to step into the trenches. He highlighted the institute's rapid-response track record during recent global and regional health scares, noting that their ability to swiftly detect and contain deadly pathogens has saved countless lives. Specifically, EPHI led the national diagnostic and containment strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic and deployed crucial early detection protocols to stop Mpox and the Marburg virus in their tracks, making a timeless contribution to the safety of citizens.
Looking forward, EPHI is not just dwelling on its historic past; it is actively engineering the future of healthcare. The institute is currently upgrading to world-class laboratory systems and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict and model disease outbreaks before they even begin. The sheer scale of EPHI's current operations is staggering, as demonstrated in the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year alone, when the institute successfully screened and monitored over 7 million travelers for potential public health risks.
As the centennial celebration continues over three action-packed days of panels, exhibitions, and scientific forums, EPHI's eyes are set firmly on the horizon. Moving into its next century, the institute’s vision remains clear: to establish itself as the premier public health research, training, and emergency response hub for the entire East African region.
