Jimma University and Amref Health Africa Sign Landmark MoU to Advance Education, Research, and Community Impact

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Jimma University and Amref Health Africa today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in education, research, and community engagement.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Dereje Engida, President of Jimma University; Professor Muluemebet Abera, Vice President for Research and Partnership; and Professor Ahmed Zeynudin, CED of the Jimma Institute of Health. Amref Health Africa was represented by Dr. Lisanu Taddesse, Acting Director of Health Systems Strengthening, with remarks also delivered by Mr. Bekalu Asaminew.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Dereje Engida and Dr. Lisanu Taddesse, formalizing both institutions’ commitment to cooperation in mutually agreed areas.
In his address, Dr. Dereje Engida reaffirmed Jimma University’s commitment to quality and relevance in education. “Partnerships such as this play a pivotal role in realizing our commitment to quality education,” he said, adding that the MoU opens important avenues for academic engagement that will enrich the learning experience for students and staff.
Mr. Bekalu Asaminew expressed Amref’s appreciation for the collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing research and innovation through joint grant proposals, collaborative research projects, innovation initiatives, and commercialization of research outputs. He also emphasized community outreach, including community-based participatory research, health improvement programs, economic development initiatives, and broader community engagement, as well as utility and capacity sharing to provide access to specialized technology, equipment, facilities, and training in support of education, research, and entrepreneurial efforts.
The MoU will remain in force for three years and will be implemented through specific agreements and a Joint Implementation Committee.
This partnership reaffirms both institutions’ shared vision of advancing health, education, and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.
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