Ethiopia Foodborne Disease Surveillance (PIONEER) Project Provides Capacity-Building Training for Data Collectors

Haramaya University Provides Training for Health Professionals under the PIONEER Project, Being Implemented for the First Time in Ethiopia

As part of the successful implementation of the nationwide PIONEER Project, which has been launched for the first time in Ethiopia to prevent and control foodborne diseases, Haramaya University conducted a three-day practical training for health professionals and data collectors who will be engaged in the field. The training was delivered at the Hararghe, Arba Minch, and North Shewa HDSS Sites.

According to Dr. Desalegn Admasu, a lecturer and researcher at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, and the Project Coordinator, this major project is being implemented under the leadership of Haramaya University in collaboration with Addis Ababa University, Arba Minch University, and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College across four study sites—Butajira, Debre Berhan, Arba Minch, and Hararghe. He stated that the project will generate important national evidence to inform future policy decisions.

Dr. Desalegn further explained that the study goes beyond routine laboratory investigations by employing advanced genomic analysis to accurately identify the sources of foodborne diseases. The study involves collecting samples from patients presenting with diarrheal illnesses, raw foods sold in local markets (including salad vegetables, cabbage, and etc.) Meat, milk, and egg products, as well as samples from household trough house to house visits.

Health professionals who participated in the training from the Hararghe HDSS Site stated that the training provided them with new insights into disease sources associated with food preparation and animal-derived food products. They also confirmed that they are well prepared to collect high-quality samples in accordance with the project’s protocols.

This nationwide study is under the close supervision by the National Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health. The findings of the project are expected to serve as a significant source of evidence for government policy, enabling the implementation of targeted interventions to prevent and control foodborne diseases across Ethiopia.