Jimma University proudly hosted the ASPIRE Project Annual Consortium Meeting 2026 from May 14–16, bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, health authorities, and international partners from Ethiopia, Ghana, Germany, Norway, India, and beyond to strengthen healthcare systems and address antimicrobial resistance.
The meeting served as a platform for scientific exchange, implementation research, policy dialogue, capacity building, and collaborative planning focused on infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, therapeutic drug monitoring, and evidence-based healthcare.
Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance remain among the most urgent threats to global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health systems often face limitations in infection prevention infrastructure, diagnostic capacity, workforce, and access to effective antimicrobials. The growing emergence of drug-resistant pathogens is increasing patient morbidity and mortality, prolonging hospital stays, escalating healthcare costs, and undermining decades of medical progress. Against this background, the ASPIRE consortium represents a timely and highly relevant initiative that aims to strengthen infection prevention and control, optimize antimicrobial use, improve microbiological surveillance, and generate implementation evidence capable of informing policy and improving patient outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.
The President of Jimma University, Dr. Jemal Abafita, officially opened the consortium meeting. highlighted the spirit of global collaboration reflected in the consortium. He linked the university’s heritage as the birthplace of Coffee Arabica to ASPIRE’s shared mission of building a healthier and safer future.
He also emphasized antimicrobial resistance as a major global health threat requiring coordinated scientific action and commended ASPIRE for translating evidence into policy and practice.
Prof. Esayas Kebede Gudina, ASPIRE Project scientific Lead, and Dr. Arne Kroidl, ASPIRE Project consortium Lead deliver a welcoming remark , followed by message from Dr. Habtewold Deti, representing the Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships. He emphasized Jimma University’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, international collaboration, and impactful partnerships such as ASPIRE.
Importantly, the meeting included active participation from health authorities such Ministry of Health of Ethiopia and Oromia Health Bureau as part of a strong co-creation approach, enhancing the potential for translating research findings into policy and clinical practice.
The consortium concluded with milestone reviews, strategic planning, and discussions on future directions for ASPIRE, reaffirming the importance of international collaboration, implementation research, and co-creation in strengthening health systems and improving patient outcomes.
Jimma University extends sincere appreciation to all partners, facilitators, investigators, health authorities, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the success of the meeting.