07/07/2026
The team from EPHA supervising the R-SWITCH project in Ethiopia end-line study held a discussion with experts from the Dire Dawa Health Bureau on July 6, 2026.
During the discussion, Dr. Alemayehu Mekonnen, the Executive Director of EPHA described the study as a game-changing initiative with the potential to influence health policy.
He further noted that the collaborative partnership behind the initiative represents a significant achievement for all institutions involved.
The project's National Principal Investigator (PI), Professor Tefera Belachew, in turn, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Dire Dawa Health Bureau for its unwavering support throughout the implementation of the study and encouraged the Bureau to maintain its commitment until the project's completion.
He also highlighted that observations from the field were encouraging, reflecting the study's high level of organization and implementation. As a multi-sectoral initiative, he emphasized that the study's findings are being eagerly anticipated globally, including by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Co-PI of the project, Professor Alemayehu Haddiss noted that the project's success presents a strong opportunity for future scale-up.
He further acknowledged that, although the study required substantial resource, its expected outcomes are highly promising.
Sr. Demekesh Mekonnen, Senior Nutrition Officer at the Dire Dawa Health Bureau, stated that the study implemented through active community participation and the allocation of adequate resources has already demonstrated meaningful improvements within the health sector.
She emphasized that sustaining and building on these achievements is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders.
Similarly, Saron Demissie, Nutrition Officer at the Dire Dawa Health Bureau, remarked that the strong involvement of the community throughout the study has enhanced confidence in the sustainability of its outcomes.
She also appreciated the country's distinguished experts for their remarkable commitment, noting that they traveled to remote rural communities and worked closely with local residents despite challenging conditions.
Their dedication, she said, played a vital role in the successful implementation of the study and serves as an inspiring example for health professionals, demonstrating the value of commitment and service to communities.
