news and events

Hararghe Health Research (HHR) is expanding Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program in Kilite Awlalo HDSS, based at Mekelle University.   HHR team recently held a productive discussion to launch CHAMPS activities in the Kilite Awlaelo HDSS. During the discussion, Dr. Fana Hagos Berhane, President of Mekelle University, mentioned that CHAMPS’ expansion will […]

HHR’s Contributions to Global Health at LSHTM Research Week HHR’s team participated in the prestigious LSHTM Research Week, held on July 2-3, 2025, at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) campus. This annual event brought together leading researchers from across the globe to discuss groundbreaking research, innovative proposals, and new concepts in

CHAMPS Leadership Showcases Impact at Gates Foundation Roadshow  From September 15 to 17, 2025, CHAMPS leadership participated in a dynamic three-day roadshow at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (GF), focusing on aligning shared missions and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in global health research.  Led by CHAMPS Director Dr. Cynthia Whitney, the delegation included

Beyond Research: HHR Team Serves Over 465 Community Members with Essential Health Services  HHR’s team provided a health service through two impactful community health outreach campaigns in Haramaya (Qerensa kebele) and Kersa (Haro Arba kebele) catchment areas.  A diverse team—including Pediatricians, Doctors, senior Nurses, Midwives, and public health experts—worked diligently to provide medical care to over

HHR through its CHAMPS- Pregnancy Surveillance project has renovated and furnished three maternity waiting rooms at Finkile, Langhe and Watar health centers. These maternity waiting rooms will support improving institutional delivery and reduce pre and post-partum neonatal and maternal mortalities. The by providing comprehensive and timely service to mothers and new-borns, improve mothers’ awareness towards

The ARM CHAMPS (Assessing the Role of Micronutrient Status in Pregnant Women) Study, a significant cohort study, was successfully completed in July 2025. The study, which began in April 2024, was conducted in Kersa and Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, and enrolled 1,000 pregnant women. Its primary goal was to investigate the crucial link between maternal micronutrient

HHR’s Maternal Immunization Study team participated in the 2nd Annual Maternal Immunization Network in Africa and Asia (MIRINA) meeting, which was held from February 24th to 28th, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year’s theme, “Country-led pathways to maternal vaccine readiness: preparing for new vaccines,” focused on co-creating an evidence-driven national maternal immunization demand strategy.

Dr. Barbara Mahon, Deputy Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, visited HHR. During her visit, Dr. Mahon observed on site hospital and community engagement activities at both the Haramaya and Harar sites. The HHR team also provided an overview of ongoing multidisciplinary initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at influencing

The construction began in January 2025, following the official handover of the site on December 24, 2024, at Haramaya University’s Health and Medical Sciences campus. Upon completion, this project aims to provide accommodation for LSHTM researchers and guests visiting HHR to conduct studies.

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) focuses on providing community input and guidance on research activities to ensure they are culturally appropriate and beneficial to the community. It serves as a bridge between HHR and the community, facilitating the exchange of insights and addressing community concerns. The CAB-Harar members held a quarterly meeting on November 07 2024.