WHO helps Ethiopia build digital public health system
The World Health Organization is helping Ethiopia modernize its public health emergency response through three integrated digital platforms: the Electronic Public Health Emergency Management system (ePHEM), District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), and Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS). Developed in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), these tools comprise a unified system for real-time data collection, analysis, and coordination during health crises.
The ePHEM platform, now fully operational nationwide, has been utilized in recent outbreaks, such as Mpox, to manage alerts and track resources. In 2025, WHO helped train 320 national users and 70 staff from the Amhara Region, with wider rollout underway. DHIS2, used in 72 percent of districts, supports routine surveillance and mortality monitoring, with nearly 3,000 EPHI staff trained to use it for evidence-based decisions. Mortality data is now fully integrated into DHIS2, improving early detection of unusual death trends.
EIOS complements these systems by scanning public online sources for early signs of health threats, enabling faster verification and response. Together, the platforms enhance Ethiopia’s ability to detect, analyze, and respond to public health emergencies in real-time, thereby advancing national health security.
