High-Level Panel on Policy, Innovation, and Implementation Marks Ethiopia’s Digital Health Transformation with National Launch of the Teninete App

In November 2025, Ethiopia marked a major milestone in its digital health journey with the launch of Teninete, a mobile application created to improve access to medicines and essential health information for the public. The launch took place during the Digital Health Conference and Exhibition, a national gathering at the Addis Ababa Science Museum that brought together policymakers, innovators, health professionals, regulators, private-sector leaders, and development partners.

CDHi’s Leadership in Digital Health Conversations

As one of the key institutions driving digital health and implementation science in Ethiopia, the Center for Digital Health and Implementation Science (CDHi) played a central role in the conference.
CDHi’s Executive Director, Professor Binyam Tilahun, PhD, MPH, FIAHSI, moderated a high-level panel session titled:

Transforming Digital Health: From Policy to Innovation and Implementation

The session featured leaders from academia, government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector, including:

• Dr. Rahel Bekele – Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University & BITS College
• Hora Bekele – Medical Devices Lead, Ministry of Health
• Mr. Endalkachew Tsedal – Lead Executive Officer for Health and Health-Related Institutions & Professional Regulation
• Engineer Wubayehu Mamo – Technology Leader and Former Director General, Abrehot Library

During the session, the panelists examined Ethiopia’s digital transformation from multiple perspectives, including policy enforcement, workforce development, regulatory alignment, supply chain digitalization, local innovation, and public-private partnerships.

Key Insights From the Discussion

1. Bridging the Implementation Gap
Panelists emphasized that while Ethiopia has strong digital health policies, implementation challenges—including limited capacity and fragmented systems—remain a major barrier.

2. Digitalizing Pharmaceutical Services
Hora Bekele highlighted the importance of national-level digital pharmacy systems to improve traceability, reduce stockouts, and strengthen supply chain efficiency.

3. Regulatory Alignment and Standards
Endalkachew Tsedal underscored the need for consistent digital standards, shared data protocols, and stronger oversight to ensure safe, accountable digital health solutions.

4. Workforce Development and Data Culture
Engineer Wubayehu stressed that digital tools alone are not enough—health workers need continuous training, mentorship, and a culture that values data-driven decision-making.

5. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
Dr. Rahel Bekele reflected on expanding opportunities for collaboration in AI, telehealth, digital skills training, and enterprise-level digital infrastructure.

6. Interoperability and Health Information Exchange
Panelists highlighted the urgency of enforcing standards to ensure DHIS2, EMRs, mobile apps, and new platforms can communicate through a functional national HIE.

7. Scaling Beyond Pilots
Speakers called for designing digital health initiatives with sustainability and scalability in mind, supported by local ownership and long-term financing models.

Closing Reflections

In his final remarks, Professor Binyam Tilahun emphasized three key messages:

• Digital transformation requires the alignment of policy, innovation, and implementation science.
• Local solutions like Teninete show Ethiopia’s readiness to innovate for its own context.
• Sustainable progress will depend on strong collaboration among government, academia, implementers, and the private sector.

CDHi’s Ongoing Commitment

CDHi continues to lead Ethiopia’s digital health transformation through research, capacity development, and implementation science. By fostering strategic partnerships and supporting scalable, locally relevant solutions, CDHi remains at the forefront of building a resilient, technology-enabled health system for Ethiopia.

CDHi continues to lead Ethiopia’s digital health transformation through research, capacity building, and implementation science. By fostering collaborations that turn innovative ideas into tangible results, CDHi is at the forefront of advancing technology, policy, and community-centered solutions to strengthen the nation’s health system. As digital health evolves, CDHi remains committed to shaping a healthier future for Ethiopia.