We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Enhancing Network for the Application of Technology-Based Support for Perinatal Mental Health (ENAT) projectโan important initiative focused on improving mental health support for mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Perinatal mental health is an often overlooked but serious public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Recognizing this need, the Center for Digital Health and Implementation Science (CDHi) at the University of Gondar, in partnership with the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Belgium, has introduced the ENAT project to bring practical, digital solutions to maternal mental healthcare.
Through this project, digital systems will be developed to help identify women who may need support, provide psychosocial care, and connect them with the right health services. The goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that mothers receive the care and support they need throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The project was officially launched on March 30, 2026, in Addis Ababa, in the presence of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia, healthcare professionals, researchers, partners, and media. The following day, on March 31, experts and researchers from CDHi, ITM, and the Ministry came together for a technical discussion to plan the next steps and ensure a strong start for the project.
By bringing together expertise in digital health, maternal care, mental health, and implementation science, the ENAT project reflects a shared commitment to improving the well-being of mothers and families in Ethiopia.
We look forward to sharing more updates with you as the project moves forward.