ECUSTA Takes Center Stage in Global Health: Hosting Final Week of EU-Backed "One Health" Initiative
ADDIS ABABA, January 29, 2026 — The Ethiopian Catholic University - St. Thomas Aquinas (ECUSTA) has cemented its position as a hub for international scientific collaboration this week. The university is currently hosting the concluding in-person session of the SHARE_AFRICA Blended Executive Programme (BEP), an advanced training initiative funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program.
The program, focused on "One Health, Global Health, Planetary Health - New Approaches in Emerging Economies," is led by the University of Padua in Italy. By hosting the final leg of this 500-hour executive course, ECUSTA is bridging the gap between European research institutions and African health challenges.
Local Leadership Driving Global Impact
The seamless execution of this high-profile event at the Addis Ababa campus is credited to Dr. Tigist Mohammed, ECUSTA’s Head of the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Department and Research Head. As the organizer, Dr. Tigist has been instrumental in facilitating the rigorous schedule, which brings together experts to discuss the critical intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
ECUSTA Staff Excellence on Display
Beyond hosting, the university is celebrating the academic success of its own staff members who were selected for this competitive program. Two ECUSTA professionals distinguished themselves in the selection process, securing top positions on the ranking list of admitted candidates:
Finot Admassu, ECUSTA’s Quality Assurance Officer. Her expertise in institutional standards and accreditation has been a valuable asset to the cohort.
Dr. Fraol Girmaye, the Preclinical and Freshmen Coordinator at the School of Medicine. Dr. Fraol’s background in coordinating basic science modules and anatomy labs aligns closely with the program's scientific rigor.
A Week of Innovation and Research
The sessions this week have focused on "Biology and Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases" and "Surveillance and Diagnostics." Since Monday, participants have engaged in advanced workshops covering statistical data collection and nutritional status in emerging economies.
Happening Today: Today, Thursday, January 29, is a pivotal day for the participants. The agenda is dedicated to the "Review of Project Works" and finalizing practical training on "Laboratory techniques for zoonotic diseases." This hands-on approach allows scholars like Finot Admassu and Dr. Fraol Girmaye to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world diagnostics.
Closing Ceremony and Certification
The executive program will officially conclude tomorrow, Friday, January 30. The final day will feature keynote speeches and the presentation of project works, followed by a certification ceremony for the scholars who have successfully completed the course. This event marks a significant milestone for ECUSTA, highlighting its growing influence in fostering research and international partnerships in the medical sciences.