Ethiopia’s national emergency medical team earns WHO verification
WHO announced Ethiopia’s emergency medical team verification on September 15, 2026, identifying it as the first civilian team in the WHO African Region to earn classification.
In short
- WHO announced Ethiopia’s emergency medical team verification on September 15, 2026, identifying it as the first civilian team in the WHO African Region to earn classification.
Ethiopia’s national Emergency Medical Team has passed World Health Organization verification, WHO announced on September 15, 2026, confirming that it meets international standards for emergency response.
WHO identifies it as the first civilian team in its African Region to receive international classification. Senegal already has a classified military team.
The assessment covered clinical care, logistics, infection prevention, water and sanitation, and readiness to deploy. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute led the programme, with support from WHO and partners.
Emergency medical teams deploy health professionals and equipment during disasters, outbreaks and other crises. WHO said maintaining the Ethiopian team’s readiness would require continued training and investment.
Addis Ababa is scheduled to host the seventh Global Emergency Medical Teams Meeting on November 3–5, 2026.
