A joint collaborative research project aimed at documenting and safeguarding Indigenous Knowledge (IK) on medicinal plants for human and animal health was officially launched on January 26, 2026, at Jimma University (JU). The project is a partnership between Jimma University (JU), Mattu University (MaU), and the Oromia Science and Technology Authority (OSTA), focusing on the Jimma, Buno Bedelle, and Ilu Ababor zones of Oromia Regional State.
The kick-off meeting was officially opened by Professor Muluemebet Abera, Acting Vice President for Research and Partnership and delegate of the President of Jimma University. In her opening address, she emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous wisdom with modern scientific approaches. “This partnership reflects our commitment to research that is not only academically sound but also culturally rooted and community-focused,” she noted.
Professor Sultan Suleman, the workshop organizer and Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, presented the project roadmap, highlighting efforts to systematically document and scientifically validate medicinal plant species indigenous to the Jimma Zone. He stressed the urgency of preserving this “living pharmacy” before valuable oral traditions are lost.
The second presentation was delivered by Dr. Sileshi Dubale of Mattu University, who outlined the project’s expanded geographical focus in the Ilu Ababor and Buno Bedelle zones. His presentation emphasized the identification of potent medicinal plant species with the potential to contribute to sustainable pharmacological development.
During the same meeting, participants also validated another joint JU–OSTA research project entitled “Assessment of Quality Assurance Programs for Diagnostic Radiology in Oromia.” The project was presented by Dr. Hunde Ahmed, Chief Clinical Director of Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), who underscored the importance of standardized quality assurance protocols to ensure patient safety and diagnostic accuracy across healthcare facilities in the region.
The session concluded with a high-level general discussion and a “way forward” segment addressing both the medicinal plants research project and the diagnostic radiology quality assurance study. The discussion was co-chaired by Dr. Lijalem Ayele (Deputy Director General of OSTA), Dr. Alemu Disasa (President of Mattu University), and Dr. Taddesse Habtamu (Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jimma University).
In his remarks, Dr. Lijalem emphasized OSTA’s role in scaling up research findings into regional policies and beyond. Dr. Alemu highlighted the strong synergy between the two sister universities, particularly in sharing resources and strengthening co-creation efforts with OSTA and other stakeholders. Dr. Taddesse shared his experience in botanical garden establishment, stressing the need to support similar initiatives at both universities to facilitate product development and commercialization.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Professor Ahmed Zeynudin, Chief Executive Director of the Jimma University Institute of Health (JUIH). He commended the research teams for addressing both the preservation of indigenous knowledge and the modernization of healthcare standards, noting that such a holistic approach is essential for strengthening Ethiopia’s health system.
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