Ethiopia is set to build a state-of-the-art center of excellence aimed at testing vaccines, medicines, and medical equipment. The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) has announced that construction is currently underway for a large complex in Kality, with the first phase of the project already 50% complete.
Heran Gerba, Director General of the EFDA, emphasized the ambitious goal of establishing this center not only to serve Ethiopia but also to cater to the broader African continent. “We aspire to support local industries and enhance our capabilities in regulatory affairs,” she stated.
The new facility is expected to include a training center focused on regulatory issues, equipping local industry professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills. The EFDA was established to protect public health by ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. It also regulates the use of alcohol and tobacco products to mitigate their adverse health effects.
“This center will be significant,” Heran Gerba noted. The existing testing laboratory for medicines is ISO 17025 certified, and the EFDA aims to achieve maturity level 3 according to the World Health Organization’s global benchmarking tool. “We’ll be re-benchmarked again this November, and we hope to obtain maturity level 3, which will strengthen our regulatory system and enhance our competitiveness with other countries,” she added.
The announcement came during a conference organized by the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia under the theme “One Earth, One Health & Healthcare Beyond Boundaries.” Ambassador Anil Kumar highlighted India’s commitment to addressing health disparities across Africa and noted that India has launched a project worth $600 billion this year, primarily driven by foreign investments.
The conference brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, traditional medicine practitioners, medical travel experts, international organizations, and national representatives. Discussions focused on collaborative efforts to improve healthcare systems and promote health equity across the continent.
