One aspect of the IHR Strengthening Project’s triple mandate is to strengthen leadership - contributing to the building of strong national public health systems, better equipped to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to a wide range of public health threats. After 18 months of work and planning with Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), the IHR Strengthening Workforce Development team led by Peter Robinson delivered a Leadership Development Programme from August 10th to 13th in Bishoftu city, Ethiopia, aimed at supporting senior leaders at EPHI. 

26 delegates from the EPHI management committee from Directors to Director Generals participated in the programme. Participants were trained in leadership concepts focussing on leading themselves, their teams, and the wider system. The programme was well received by the delegates who particularly liked the adult learning style, the lively discussions and fruitful interactions among their colleagues. All participants left with a personal action plan for their own leadership practice and development with their teams with follow ups planned to check progress after 1 month and 3 months.

“We had unforgettable experience and learning during our stay at Kuriftu. We laughed, ate, learnt from each other, exercised, planned to use the most out of the leadership training for the best interest of the institute and ourselves, and so much more.”

Dr Getachew Tollera, Deputy Director General Office.

“I appreciate everything Peter and the team did during the training week and the materials you shared.”

Muluken Moges, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate