The PHEM System: The Untold Story Behind Ethiopia’s Public Health Transformation.
The Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) System, established following a Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) reform, mandated to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), recognizes the importance of one institutional leadership for closely interrelated and interdependent functions of public health research, PHEM, and public health laboratory systems.
The PHEM wing of EPHI has been a key player in managing public health emergencies in Ethiopia for the past century. PHEM has been responsible for coordinating responses to a wide range of emergencies, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.
One of the major contributions of PHEM has been its rapid response to disease outbreaks. Through its early warning systems and surveillance networks, PHEM has been able to detect outbreaks early and deploy response teams to contain them. This rapid response has helped prevent the spread of diseases such as Ebola, cholera, and COVID-19, saving countless lives in the process.
In addition to its response efforts, PHEM has also been involved in preparedness and prevention activities. By conducting risk assessments, developing response plans, and training health workers, PHEM has helped to build the resilience of Ethiopia’s health system against future emergencies.
PHEM has been actively involved in international collaborations to manage public health emergencies. This includes working with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to share information, resources, and best practices, enhancing Ethiopia’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Furthermore, PHEM has prioritized community engagement in its emergency management efforts. By involving local communities in emergency preparedness and response activities, PHEM has ensured that interventions are culturally appropriate and well-received, leading to more effective emergency response outcomes.
PHEM has also contributed to research and innovation in public health emergency management. This includes conducting research on emergency management strategies and developing innovative tools and technologies to improve emergency response, further enhancing Ethiopia’s capacity to manage public health emergencies.
Additionally, PHEM has played a crucial role in building the capacity of Ethiopia’s health system to manage public health emergencies. This includes training health workers, developing infrastructure, and strengthening health information systems, ensuring that Ethiopia is better prepared to respond to emergencies and protect the health and well-being of its population.
Overall, the PHEM section of EPHI has been a vital asset in Ethiopia’s public health landscape, ensuring that the country is prepared to respond to any emergency that may arise and contributing significantly to the nation’s health security.