Africa-Press – Ethiopia. President Taye Atske Selassie has affirmed that the Ethiopian-Norwegian cardiac partnership stands as a strong example of international cooperation in improving healthcare services.
Speaking at a symposium in Addis Ababa marking ten years of collaboration, the president said the partnership demonstrates how countries can work together to address complex health challenges and expand access to specialized treatment.
He further elaborated that the initiative has delivered significant results in cardiac care and described the collaboration as both a medical achievement and a reflection of the longstanding diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Norway.
“This exemplary partnership has infused life-saving treatments in our healthcare system and sends a strong message about the power of international cooperation,” the president said.
The president acknowledged the contributions of Norwegian medical professionals and the dedication of Ethiopian physicians, nurses and technicians who have supported the program over the years.
He also emphasized that the long-term success of the initiative depends on sustained knowledge transfer, skills development and the strengthening of locally owned healthcare systems.
The president expressed the government’s commitment to building durable international partnerships across multiple sectors, expressing appreciation for Norway’s cooperation with Ethiopia dating back to the 1970s.
He further noted the role of national research institutions in advancing medical knowledge and professional training, citing the Armauer Hansen Research Institute as a center recognized for excellence in research and for preparing professionals committed to humanitarian service.
Reiterating Ethiopia’s broader efforts to transform its healthcare system, the president said the government is working to expand infrastructure and ensure services are accessible and affordable to all citizens.
“Together, we can transform lives and build a healthier future for our communities,” he said, while also encouraging stronger engagement from the private sector in sustainable health initiatives.
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba on her par said the partnership represents a decade of professional exchange and shared commitment to improving cardiac care in Ethiopia.
She credited Norwegian health professionals for their contributions in training and mentorship, which have helped strengthen the country’s healthcare system and improve treatment for heart patients.
“Over the past five years alone, over five thousand complicated surgeries were done by the oversea volunteers while transferring knowledge and skills to local healthcare professionals,” she said.
According to her, the country has made remarkable progress in expanding primary healthcare and enhancing public health indicators.
However, cardiovascular diseases continue to pose a growing challenge contributing to premature deaths and economic hardship for many families.
In this regard, she noted, the government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that focuses on prevention, early detection and wider access to quality treatment while integrating non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, into the national health agenda.
She said the Ethiopian–Norwegian collaboration has demonstrated the transformative potential of sustainable technical cooperation and stressed the importance of continued investment in training and professional development.
Maintaining the momentum built over the past decade could accelerate improvements in health outcomes, she added.
The symposium also served as a platform to reflect on progress and discuss the challenges that remain in strengthening cardiac services across the country.
Chargé d’Affaires at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ethiopia, Elnor Gasanov, described the collaboration in cardiology and cardiac surgery as proof of what can be achieved through committed professionals, strong institutions and long-term partnerships.
“This initiative marks a shift from mission-based assistance to fostering sustainable local capacity rooted in national systems, priorities, and leadership,” Gasanov said.
He expressed appreciation to clinicians, researchers, educators and policymakers who have contributed to the program, noting that their work has not only saved lives but also helped build a more resilient healthcare system.
Gasanov reaffirmed Norway’s continued support for strengthening cardiovascular services in Ethiopia and emphasized the importance of deepening the partnership in the years ahead.
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