Validation Workshop Highlights Key Findings of DDCF Learning Documentation Workshop

A high-level validation workshop on the results of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) learning documentation works was held in Addis Ababa on Friday, September 5, 2025. The event convened stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP) universities, DDCF research capacity-building fellows, and researchers to reflect on the findings/learnings from implementation of the DDCF funded five-year project (2019–2023 ) aimed at strengthening health information systems in Ethiopia.

Facilitated by Dr. Amare Tariku, Binyam Kefialew, and Admas Abera, the workshop provided a platform to present results, encourage dialogue, and collect feedback that will refine reporting and enhance the use of evidence for policy and program improvement.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Mesoud Mohammed, Strategic Affairs Lead (deputy) at the Ministry of Health, and emphasized the importance of evidence generation and learning in shaping sustainable health systems. A detailed presentation by Dr. Amare Tariku and Binyam Kefialew highlighted the approaches and findings of the DDCF-supported learning documentation, including reviews of research articles and qualitative explorations.

Following the presentations, a Q & A session and discussion allowed participants to reflect on the key findings, raise critical questions, and provide practical suggestions that will guide the finalization of the reporting process and the broader dissemination of results.

Ethiopia is one of the Phase 2 grantees of the African Health Initiative (AHI), with the project implemented through the Ethiopia Data Use Partnership (DUP) in collaboration with JSI. Alongside Mozambique and Ghana, Ethiopia is working to replicate, scale, and evaluate health system interventions that deliver measurable improvements in outcomes while building responsive, government-led learning platforms.

A unique feature of the initiative was the establishment of model HIS implementation sites, developed in collaboration with CBMP universities, regional health bureaus, zonal health departments, and health facilities. These sites provided platforms for testing and scaling effective HIS solutions, while generating lessons to inform national health system reforms.

The workshop underscored the value of collaboration and evidence-based learning in driving health system transformation. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to harnessing the knowledge generated from the DDCF initiative to advance Ethiopia’s health sector priorities and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns across the country.