Jimma University, through its Global Health Partnership Phase II (GHP-2) “Creating a demonstrator zone for decentralised NCD care, with a skilled digital health-ready workforce enabled to increase uptake and retention and to improve outcomes” Project, in collaboration with the Oromia Regional Health Bureau (ORHB), successfully conducted a high-level review meeting and official handover ceremony on January 28–29, 2026 at Jimma University. The event marked the formal conclusion of the Jimma University–led initiative aimed at strengthening diabetes and hypertension prevention and control services supported by digital health across Jimma Zone.
The two-day workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders including heads of 21 district health offices, NCD coordinators, directors of 127 primary health care facilities, trained health professionals, regional and zonal health bureau representatives, and senior officials from Jimma University. The meeting served two main purposes: to review the status of hypertension and diabetes services across all primary health facilities in the zone, and to officially transfer ownership of project activities to the Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Jimma Zonal Health Office, and district health offices for sustainability and continuity.
In the opening session, Prof. Mulumebet Abera, Vice President for Community Services and Partnerships of Jimma University welcomed the participants and emphasized the growing burden of non-communicable diseases as a major public health challenge. She expressed appreciation to the Global Health Partnership (GHP), health professionals, and regional and zonal leaders for their commitment and collaboration.
Technical presentations also formed a central component of the review meeting. Prof. Lelisa Sena, Principal Investigator of the project, mentioned the overall objective, which is strengthening PHC service delivery, research, and data analysis, capacities through targeted training programs and outlined achievements of the initiative. He also, requested the audiences to honestly reflect on the achievements, share experience, and commit to actions, which are essential to strengthening PHC and sustainable NCD services across the region.
Dr. Tadesse Dukessa, Co-Principal Investigator, presented detailed reports on the implementation of a task-shifting approach to NCD care. He highlighted that 360 health workers had received capacity-building training in NCD management, mentoring, operational research, and data analysis using R software. In addition, supportive supervision visits were conducted to 119 out of 127 health centers within a two-week period, significantly strengthening service delivery and quality of care.
A major innovation under the project was the introduction of the Digital Transformation using Simple App, which has been recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health. Presentations by Mr. Workneh Demissie, from Regional Health Bureau, representing Resolve to Save Lives, and Mr. Ahmed Jemal from Jimma Zone Health Office, demonstrated how the application was utilized across health facilities to support patient monitoring, data management, and integration with the electronic Health Management Information System (e-HMIS). This digital platform has improved evidence-based decision-making and enhanced the efficiency of NCD service provision.
From the regional perspective, Mr. Amanuel Yadessa, Head of the ORHB NCD Directorate, provided an overview of the NCD situation in Oromia Region. He emphasized the urgent need for risk reduction, early detection, and strengthened primary health care services to control the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. He commended the project for achieving full coverage of all 127 health facilities in Jimma Zone and described it as a model with strong potential for scale-up to other zones. He further reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to continued monitoring, evaluation, and support to ensure sustainability.
Similarly, Mr. Fuad Sabit, Head of the Jimma Zonal Health Office, praised the initiative for its comprehensive zonal coverage and encouraged district leaders and NCD focal persons to sustain and strengthen the services established through the project. Representing the Global Health Workforce Partnership (GHWP), Mr. Abdubari Abdulkadir acknowledged the collaborative achievements and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum, particularly in strengthening primary health care systems in the post-COVID-19 context.
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in open discussions on major achievements, challenges faced, lessons learned, and strategies for long-term sustainability. The consensus among stakeholders was that the project had made significant contributions to improving access, quality, and organization of NCD services within the primary health care system.
At the conclusion of the workshop, all project deliverables, tools, and ongoing activities were officially handed over to the Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Jimma Zonal Health Office, and district health offices. This transition ensures institutional ownership and integration of NCD services into routine health system operations.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Jemal expressed that the project’s success demonstrated the importance of strong institutional partnerships in addressing critical health system priorities. He extended sincere appreciation to all partners, project team members, and health facility staff who contributed to the successful implementation of the project. With the handover completed, focus now shifts to sustaining the achievements and scaling up the “Jimma Model” as a best practice for comprehensive decentralised NCD care, with a skilled digital health-ready workforce enabled to increase uptake and retention and to improve outcomes has laid a strong foundation for improved diabetes and hypertension services, built local capacity, strengthened digital health systems, and created a sustainable framework for continued progress in combating non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia.
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