Reflection on an evidence base for public health research in ethiopia
Reflecting on the evidence base for public health research in Ethiopia reveals a landscape of both significant achievements and persistent challenges. My prior reflections on specific public health problems and health system strengthening have highlighted the critical role of evidence, and this deeper dive reinforces those points.
Strengths of the Evidence Base:
Strong Commitment to Primary Healthcare (PHC) & Community Health: Ethiopia has a well-documented and globally recognized commitment to PHC, exemplified by the Health Extension Program (HEP). The literature is rich with studies evaluating the HEP's impact on maternal and child health, immunization coverage, and access to basic services. This creates a strong evidence base for community-based interventions.
Focus on Major Communicable Diseases: Given the historical burden, there's a substantial body of evidence on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria. Research has guided intervention strategies, drug resistance surveillance, and prevention programs, contributing to significant declines in some of these diseases.
Growing Research Infrastructure: Institutions like the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and various universities are increasingly involved in generating evidence. EPHI, in particular, is mandated to conduct research, engage in public health surveillance, and facilitate technology transfer. There's an emphasis on building local research capacity, including through programs like the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), which trains "disease detectives."
Increasing Use of Large-Scale Surveys: Ethiopia participates in and conducts major population-based surveys (e.g., Demographic and Health Surveys - DHS, Malaria Indicator Surveys - MIS) that provide valuable epidemiological data on a national scale, informing policy and program planning.
Emerging Focus on NCDs and Environmental Health: While historically less prominent, there's a growing body of research on the rising burden of NCDs. Similarly, awareness and preliminary studies on environmental health issues like lead poisoning are emerging, though this remains an area needing more comprehensive evidence.