Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 27-29, 2025 – The prestigious Elilly International Hotel, located in the heart of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, hosts the 2nd East Africa Conference of the Global Association of Health Officers, Clinical Officers, and Physician Associates (GACOPA) from April 27 to 29, 2025. Organized by the Public Health Officers Association of Ethiopia (PHOA-E) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA), this landmark regional event is held under the inspiring theme:
“Advancing Universal Health Coverage in East Africa: The Evolving Role of Health Officers, Clinical Officers, Physician Associates, and Analogues.”
A Strategic Gathering for Health in East Africa
Inaugurated today in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Ayele Teshome, State Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the conference brings together over 250 delegates from across East Africa and beyond. This event serves as a critical platform for health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and international partners to exchange knowledge, build professional networks, and strengthen collective efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in a region grappling with complex health challenges, including communicable and non-communicable diseases and the growing impacts of climate change.
This year’s theme highlights the pivotal role of clinical officers, health officers, physician associates, and similar professionals in transforming health systems. Often on the front lines, these cadres are instrumental in improving access to primary care, reducing inequalities, and bolstering the resilience of health systems in crises. “UHC is an ambitious but achievable goal. This conference is a unique opportunity to redefine the role of mid-level health workers and accelerate progress toward equitable and sustainable health systems,” said a PHOA-E representative during the opening ceremony.
A Regional and International Collaboration
Held under the auspices of GACOPA, the conference benefits from the support of key partners, including the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and EPHA, reinforcing its alignment with national and regional priorities. Ethiopia, as the seat of the African Union and a major diplomatic hub, provides an ideal setting for high-level discussions on health policy. The participation of regional leaders, including representatives from the Ministries of Health of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, underscores East Africa’s collective commitment to harmonizing efforts for UHC.
The three-day program features plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions addressing critical topics such as:
- Innovations in training and capacity building for clinical officers and health officers to meet evolving population needs.
- Public-private partnerships to finance and expand access to health services.
- Integration of digital technologies, such as telemedicine and health informatics, to enhance care delivery.
- Community-based strategies to overcome socio-economic and cultural barriers to healthcare access.
A Push for Universal Health Coverage
UHC, a cornerstone of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Africa Health Strategy 2016-2030, aims to ensure that everyone has access to quality health services without financial hardship. In East Africa, where health systems are often strained by limited resources and a growing disease burden, clinical officers and health officers play an indispensable role. They bridge gaps in underserved rural and urban areas, delivering essential care where physicians are scarce.
The conference will showcase successful initiatives, such as Ethiopia’s community health worker program, which has improved maternal and child health outcomes. Similar models from Kenya and Uganda will be presented, offering valuable lessons for regional scale-up. “These professionals are the unsung heroes of our health systems. Their training, empowerment, and integration into national policies are critical for achieving UHC,” emphasized a Kenyan delegate.
A Call to Action and Collaboration
The 2nd GACOPA East Africa Conference will conclude with a call to action to:
- Increase national investments in the training and deployment of clinical officers and health officers.
- Foster cross-border partnerships to share best practices and harmonize training standards.
- Integrate technological innovations to improve the efficiency and accessibility of care.
- Engage communities to ensure health services meet the real needs of populations.
Organizers urge stakeholders—governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society—to actively engage in these efforts. “This conference is not just a moment of reflection but a catalyst for concrete actions that will transform health in East Africa,” said a GACOPA spokesperson.
Join the Movement
The 2nd GACOPA East Africa Conference is an unparalleled opportunity for health professionals and policymakers to contribute to a future where health for all is a reality. For more information on the program, registration, or partnership opportunities, visit the official GACOPA website or contact the PHOA-E secretariat.
Press Contact:
Public Health Officers Association of Ethiopia (PHOA-E)
Email: info@phoa-e.org
Phone: +251 11 123 4567
Follow conference highlights on social media with #EACOC2025 and #ClinicalOfficers.
Eyob Salemot
Ethiopia Correspondant
Ethiopia Correspondant
