On May 2nd, 2012 P2P hosted a dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addis Ababa for roughly 30 guests to discuss how the diaspora and its related network could support the important work of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) in achieving its goals related to the New Innovative Medical Education Initiative (NIMEI) and the establishment of 13 new medical schools across the country.Under this ambitious federal initiative, the basic and research sciences have been identified as an area of great need at this initial stage. Amongst the Ethiopian global diaspora there is a vast pool of scientists, physicians, engineers, and other professionals who have a vast wealth of experience, knowledge, and resources between them. Harnessing this human capital and channeling it in support of the new medical colleges (as well as existing ones) holds great potential to better educate, train, and prepare the next generation of physicians and healthcare professionals.
The timing was fortuitous to host a dinner between the various representatives of domestic and international institutions and visiting diaspora professionals, all of whom converged in Addis during the same period. This gathering provided an opportunity for interested stakeholders to discuss the current state of affairs, including updates from the FMoH itself on the needs, opportunities, and current facilities & infrastructure. Representatives of the diaspora had an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and engage with those involved in supporting this important work. P2P is currently coordinating many activities in support of these important endeavors, and the support and involvement of volunteer physicians and health/medical professionals is highly encouraged.