A New Era of Scientific Collaboration: WHO Ethiopia and AHRI Explore Strategic Partnership to Advance Health Innovation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 10 June 2026 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia Country Office and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) are entering a new era of strategic collaboration aimed at advancing health research, innovation, local pharmaceutical production, and health security in Ethiopia and beyond.

The discussions took place during a technical visit by WHO Representative to Ethiopia , African Union and UNECA, Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, and his technical team of WHO experts to AHRI on 9 June 2026. The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of mutual interest and identify priorities for future collaboration following AHRI's recent institutional transformation.

Established in 1970, AHRI is Ethiopia's leading biomedical research institution. Following its restructuring through Council of Ministers Regulation No. 530/2023, the institute's mandate has expanded significantly to address emerging national, regional, and global health priorities. In addition to its longstanding work on communicable and non-communicable diseases, AHRI now leads research and development efforts in vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, traditional and modern medicine, pharmaceutical industry development, and biological products.

The institute currently operates through seven specialized research directorates covering communicable and non-communicable diseases research, clinical trials, knowledge management, vaccine and diagnostic development, traditional and modern medicine, pharmaceutical industry development, and pharmaceutical and biological product development.

Speaking during the visit, AHRI Director General Professor Afework Kassu acknowledged WHO's longstanding contribution to strengthening health research in Ethiopia, particularly in areas such as tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and other public health priorities.

"WHO has played an indispensable role in supporting research and public health programs in Ethiopia," said Professor Afework. "As AHRI enters a new phase of growth, we look forward to expanding our collaboration in areas such as vaccine development, diagnostics, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical research, and innovation."

Professor Afework also expressed AHRI's aspiration to become a WHO Collaborating Centre and highlighted the institute's commitment to supporting national and regional health priorities through science and innovation.

A key highlight of the visit was a tour of AHRI's newly inaugurated state-of-the-art laboratory complex, officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 4 April 2026. The facility includes 40 fully equipped laboratories, advanced genomics and bioinformatics platforms, and a bioequivalence center designed to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicines produced locally.

The facility is expected to strengthen Ethiopia's research and innovation ecosystem while contributing to national health security, emergency preparedness, and local pharmaceutical production. It also provides a platform for collaboration among Ethiopian and international scientists.

During the visit, WHO and AHRI experts held extensive discussions on institutional priorities, ongoing programs, and potential areas of collaboration. The two organizations identified several strategic areas for partnership, including vaccine research and immunization systems, clinical trials and implementation science, laboratory strengthening and diagnostics, genomics and bioinformatics, health emergency preparedness and response, healthcare innovation, local production of medicines and vaccines, regulatory science, and research on traditional medicine.

Speaking after the visit, Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo emphasized the strong alignment between AHRI's expanded mandate and WHO's strategic priorities at both regional and global levels.

"This visit has provided an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of AHRI's evolving research agenda, its impressive facilities, and the tremendous opportunities for collaboration," he said. "We see significant potential for joint work in research, innovation, capacity strengthening, laboratory systems, health emergencies, vaccine development, and local manufacturing. These are critical areas for strengthening health systems and advancing health security in Ethiopia and across Africa."

The visit also explored opportunities for joint research initiatives, technical assistance, institutional capacity strengthening, and the establishment of formal partnership frameworks to guide future collaboration.

As Ethiopia continues to invest in scientific research and innovation, both WHO and AHRI expressed their commitment to translating research into practical solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen resilience against current and future health challenges.

The visit concluded with agreement on priority areas for collaboration, coordination mechanisms, and next steps toward developing a structured partnership that leverages the strengths of both institutions in support of Ethiopia's health and development agenda.