Institute Profile

In 1996 the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) was founded with the goal of using health research to inform national health policy. Valid health information is crucial as the basis for effective decisions to improve health and general well being of the population, and the government is committed to improve and develop health-related research activities in the country.

Research priorities and health intervention programs include:

• Control of communicable diseases, epidemics, and disease related to malnutrition and poor living conditions
• Development of traditional medicine including related research and its integration into modern medicine
• Applied health research addressing major health problems
• Strengthening research capacities of national institutions and scientists in collaboration with responsible agencies

EHNRI works to implement the government’s vision to:

• Establish systems to support and encourage applied and basic science and research.
• Formulate mechanisms for speedy dissemination and application of research and development results.
• Establish conducive working environment and appropriate career and promotion structure for scientists and researchers.
• Encourage and support participation of Ethiopian scientists and researchers in national, regional and international conferences, seminars, symposium and workshops.

Based on the prevalence of health and nutrition problems and by taking public needs into considerations, the Institute had been setting priority strategies to address the public demands. Currently the Institute is focusing on disease research and strengthening the national public health laboratory services in the country.