Scientific Symposium on Malaria Research and Innovation Held at Jimma University
In advance of World Malaria Day 2025, a two-day Scientific Symposium on Malaria Research and Innovation was successfully conducted from April 24–25, 2025, at Jimma University, Jimma Town.
Organized by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and hosted by Jimma University, the symposium was held under the theme, “Sustain the Gain: Bridging Research and Innovation for Sustainable Impact on Malaria.”
The event brought together over 150 participants, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, EPHI, Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), regional malaria program managers, development partners, and Jimma University staff. It served as a continuation of the Annual Review organized by the Ethiopian Malaria Research Network (EMRN).
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Dr. Jemal Abafita, President of Jimma University; Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of EPHI; and Dr. Getachew Tolera, Deputy Director General of EPHI. A major milestone during the event was the official handover of the ownership and leadership of the Ethiopian Malaria Research Network from the Ministry of Health to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, signaling a strengthened commitment to malaria research and leadership in Ethiopia.
Key sessions included:
- Updates on the National Malaria Program
- Research presentations on malaria case management, vector control, epidemiology and surveillance, and Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)
- Engaging discussions clarifying misconceptions and enhancing the translation of research into practice
The symposium also featured a high-level panel discussion titled “Translating Malaria Research into Sustainable Solutions,” where program leaders, researchers, lead scientists, and experienced instructors shared insights on entomology, case management, surveillance, vector control, and epidemiology. The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing research excellence, and driving sustainable malaria control and elimination efforts in Ethiopia.
