Pandemic Fund Supports Ethiopia’s Preparedness with ICT and Laboratory Equipment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially handed over 315 computers — comprising 165 laptops and 150 desktops — to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) as part of the Pandemic Fund: Ethiopia Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Project (EPPR).
This contribution marks a significant boost to Ethiopia’s pandemic preparedness, enhancing early detection and coordinated emergency response. The computers will equip Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) nationwide with modern ICT infrastructure, enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and visualisation, and improving multi-sectoral coordination in line with national and global surveillance systems.
In addition, WHO provided 128 laboratory refrigerators to strengthen the country’s laboratory network for genomics and molecular surveillance of priority pathogens. The new equipment will safeguard critical biological samples and support rapid response during outbreaks.
Funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented by WHO in collaboration with EPHI, other UN agencies, government bodies, and NGOs, the initiative reinforces Ethiopia’s commitment to a resilient, One Health-oriented system. By investing in laboratory and surveillance capacity, the country is better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats now and in the future.
