DHA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mekelle University on June 22, 2023 to launch a one year postdoctoral fellowship in data analytics, visualization, use and digital technology adoption. The fellowship aims at building the capacity of the university in the production, application and dissemination of high quality evidence through knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two parties while ensuring evidence sustainability and use.

Dr. Fana Hagos, President of Mekelle University, expressed happiness over the collaboration during the MOU signing ceremony. She underscored the university’s readiness and commitment in making the collaboration fruitful.

Dr. Loko Abraham, Chief of Party for DHA, on his part reminded the support DHA has been providing to the government and people of Ethiopia in areas of digitalization of the health sector, promotion of data use, health system capacity building, digital health and HIS governance and emergency response. He mentioned that the current collaboration is a continuation of USAID’s existing investment, through DHA, in higher learning institutions in pre-service training of last mile health workers, center of excellence establishment in digital health, and capacity building and mentorship program (CBMP). He also expressed commitment from DHA’s side in making the current collaboration successful.

DHA will continue with similar engagements with other universities in Ethiopia including the University of Gondar in the coming weeks.