The WHO Ethiopia Country Office is making headlines as one of five teams globally selected for the Experiment Phase of the WHO LEAD Internal Innovation Challenge Programme. 

 Their innovative project, focusing on the local production of antibiotic discs, aims to address a critical gap in Ethiopia’s health system, while demonstrating the power of localized solutions in advancing health outcomes.

 The LEAD Challenge, which stands for “Leap Engage Accelerate Disrupt”, is designed to foster a culture of innovation within WHO, driving progress toward the Triple Billion targets and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. 

 The Ethiopia team’s project stood out during a rigorous global selection process and will now receive US$ 50 000 in seed funding to pilot their idea over the next three months.

 “This milestone reflects the commitment and ingenuity of our team,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. “Local production of antibiotic discs has the potential to enhance primary health care and strengthen our health system’s capacity to effectively respond to infectious diseases.”

 Congratulations to the WHO Ethiopia team on this remarkable achievement! We look forward to seeing the impact of your work as it progresses through this exciting phase of development.