Message from the Oromia Health Bureau Head
Catastrophic events in the last decade highlighted the importance of understanding how to lead healthcare systems in extreme and unprecedented emergencies. It has been triggered in developed countries by the economic crisis, especially in low and middle-income countries, by pandemics and outbreaks such as Ebola, and conflicts with disastrous consequences. The emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 have severely tested health systems worldwide and served as a wake-up call for the resilient health system.
Hence, building a resilient health system can be achieved by engaging actors in all healthcare systems, including researchers, to contribute their best. Health research is an indispensable component of the growth and development of people and nations. In Ethiopia, various studies have been conducted in universities. However, their role in improving health promotion and disease control and prevention practices is not considerable. In line with this, the Oromia health bureau is bridging researchers with programmers on evidence to policy use in solving the prevailing health problems in the region and the country. Collaboration and solidarity between universities and regional health bureaus are critical for providing high-quality, equitable health care and responding to public health emergencies. Oromia Health Bureau collaborates with universities in the country for health workforce development, research, and outbreak response. The organization of this scientific conference, in partnering with Jimma University, is the result of such collaborative work.
From this research conference, I can point out at least three issues that I believe are highly relevant to the event:
1st. Importance of an integrated approach in building health systems that serve the needs of the population before, during, and after public health emergencies
2nd. Focus on vital primary health care as a foundation for bringing resilient health systems closer to communities will enhance our health systems which can deal with short- and long-term shocks and outbreaks.
3rd. Creating and promoting enabling environments for research and innovations are crucial for generating knowledge, utilizing expertise, and predicting the future.
Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank Jimma University, Fenot – UBC/Harvard project, and all stakeholders for bringing us together and their commitment to strengthening the health system at regional and national levels.
