Ministry Urges Partners to Utilize Innovative Approaches in Health

Addis Ababa, March 7/2024 (ENA) The Ministry of Health has urged partners and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring quality healthcare services through innovative approaches.

The remark was made at the conclusion of the 8th National Healthcare Innovation and Quality Summit under the theme: "Promoting Health System Innovation to Enhance Healthcare Quality, Safety and Equity" today.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said more work is required to create and improve the quality of technologies that are important for the improvement of health services in Ethiopia.

The summit has created opportunities to exchange best experiences and practices among the participants of the conference and to identify future areas of focus, she added.

The minister further underscored the need for quality research to provide quality health services that would help as input for policy and strategy.

According to her, hospitals, institutions and regional states have demonstrated that innovative approaches have a great role in making the sector effective and efficient.

Dr. Mekdes finally called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the health sector provides effective and affordable service and generate additional income.  

Innovation Hub Head at WHO Headquarters, Louise Agersnap stressed that “we will not be achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 with the usual approach and mindset. Innovation is needed.”

 

Acknowledging that the health problems across the world are complex and difficult to solve, she noted that there are plenty of evidence based interventions at disposal, many of which are supported by WHO guidelines.

Agersnap further elaborated that translating a guideline into better health outcomes can be a challenge, adding that "we are catalyst for collaborative learning across the innovation ecosystem where we're supporting the public sector to embed innovative capabilities within their organizations and leverage it for better health outcomes in a more open, iterative and participatory manner."

Innovation and Technology Minister, Belete Molla said innovation and technology works in health have been done in a scattered manner in the health sector.

 

Belete reiterated that his ministry is ready to strengthen the innovation activities in the sector.

The three-day summit was attended by various stakeholders, including the UN, regional bureau heads, donors, partners, private health institution heads and professional health associations.