Haramaya University Launches Ethiopia’s First Clinical Trial to Improve Child Health Services
Haramaya University has initiated the EChiLiBRiST Clinical Trial, the first randomized controlled study in Ethiopia aimed at improving fever triage and treatment outcomes for children under five at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital.
The trial assesses a new risk stratification strategy that combines rapid biomarker-based prognostic testing with standard Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) protocols. This pioneering study, led by the College of Health and Medical Sciences at Haramaya University, aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment success for vulnerable young patients who present with fever or suspected severe infections. This is the first study of its kind in Ethiopia.
Haramaya University President Dr. Jemal Yousuf officiated the launch, commending the collaborative efforts of the researchers. He stated, “Our researchers have shown they can work together on impactful projects.” Dr. Jemal highlighted the trial’s potential to generate evidence that can inform policies addressing national health challenges, drawing on the expertise of Haramaya’s internationally accredited Hararghe Health Research Laboratory.
Professor Nega Assefa, Head of the Hararghe Health Research Center, highlighted past achievements: “The internationally accredited results from our labs, stemming from the CHAMPS project, influenced changes in Ministry of Health policies, including the fortification of folic acid to combat neural tube defects during pregnancy.” The EChiLiBRiST trial builds on this legacy by offering evidence-based recommendations to improve child health systems.
Dr. Lola Madrid, the international coordinator of the clinical trial, stated in her scientific presentation at the trial’s launch that the study aims to improve risk stratification for vulnerable children under five who experience fever-related conditions. By enhancing the accuracy of triage processes, the study seeks to ensure that standard treatment protocols operate more effectively, ultimately contributing to research that can save children’s lives.
Dr. Mohammednur Abdullahi, the Medical Director of Hiwot Fana Hospital, emphasized the importance of this trial: “This inaugural clinical trial in Ethiopia will greatly contribute to our national health sector development.”
Dr. Abdi Amin, the Head of the Harari Regional Health Bureau, expressed his complete support by stating, “Evidence-based research provides essential data for health improvements and serves as a model for future studies. The regional government is committed to supporting this project for the benefit of society and the nation as a whole.”
The EChiLiBRiST project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, establishes Haramaya University as a leader in clinical research innovation to improve child survival in low-resource settings.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations
Tags: child health, Clinical Trial, Ethiopia, Haramaya University, Health Services Improvement, healthcare innovation, Medical Research, Pediatrics, Public Health
