Haramaya University Awarded Gates Foundation Challenge Grant for Pioneering Women’s Health Research
Haramaya University has been awarded a prestigious research grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to lead a transformative initiative titled “Holistic, Life Course-Based Multidimensional Women’s Health Index: A Scalable Data-Driven Approach in Ethiopia.”
Dr. Getachew Teshome will lead as a Principal Investigator, and co-led by Dr. Tara Wilfong, the project will be implemented in collaboration with the University of Florida. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the measurement and understanding of women’s health across the life course.
The research aims to establish a comprehensive framework that captures women’s health from early childhood through older adulthood, addressing longstanding gaps in conventional data systems. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating indicators for adolescents, older women, and mental health dimensions often underrepresented in global health metrics, particularly within low- and middle-income contexts.
Leveraging both national and subnational datasets, the team will develop age-specific health indices and incorporate modules that reflect underexplored life stages and psychosocial factors. The project will utilize advanced data analytics, including large language models and qualitative methodologies, to generate nuanced, context-rich insights. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to produce a multidimensional women’s health index that informs equitable, evidence-based policy and enhances health outcomes in Ethiopia and beyond.
“This initiative offers a groundbreaking opportunity to capture the full spectrum of women’s health in Ethiopia,” said Dr. Getachew Teshome. “By integrating diverse data sources and cutting-edge modeling tools, we aim to generate actionable insights that can shape inclusive and responsive health policies.”
This award reinforces Haramaya University’s growing prominence in public health research and its commitment to advancing women’s health through innovation, strategic partnerships, and data-driven solutions. With the support of the Gates Foundation and its collaboration with the University of Florida, Haramaya University continues to play a pivotal role in generating knowledge that addresses the evolving health priorities of women across Ethiopia.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate
Tags: academic funding, challenge grant, Ethiopia, female empowerment, Gates Foundation, global health, Haramaya University, health research, medical innovation, Public Health, research grant, women’s health