Global Health Group Düsseldorf Arsi
Advancing Global Health together
The Global Health Institute Düsseldorf Arsi (GHIDA) is a joint initiative between the University Hospital Düsseldorf and Arsi University, located on the campus of the College of Health Sciences in Asella, Ethiopia. It builds on the long-standing collaboration established through the Hirsch Institute for Tropical Medicine (HITM), founded in 2013, which has evolved into a dynamic platform for clinical training, research, and academic exchange.
Founded on January 1, 2026, GHIDA expands this partnership into a broader Global Health framework, strengthening interdisciplinary research, education, and sustainable capacity building.
Together, we are committed to advancing equitable healthcare through long-term collaboration, innovation, and locally rooted global health research.
Research Anchored in Regional Clinical Needs
GHIDA’s scientific activities focus on the most pressing infectious disease challenges in the region, while contributing to broader global health priorities.
Key research priorities include:
The prevalence and clinical impact of these diseases in the region directly shape the institute’s research agenda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute served as a central regional hub for diagnostics and training, providing PCR testing, strengthening laboratory capacity, and coordinating multiple research initiatives.
Bidirectional Training and Knowledge Exchange
GHIDA is committed to genuine bidirectional capacity building. German physicians undertake structured rotations in Asella, gaining hands-on experience with regionally prevalent infectious diseases while contributing to clinical care, teaching, and diagnostic training.
In parallel, Ethiopian students, clinicians, and researchers receive on-site mentorship and advanced training opportunities, including access to international Master’s and PhD programs through global academic partnerships.
Since its establishment, the institute has hosted continuous physician rotations from University Hospital Düsseldorf for advanced training in global health. Ethiopian colleagues similarly participate in PhD Programs, research stays, and training exchanges in Düsseldorf, strengthening clinical and academic expertise in both settings.
Strong Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
GHIDA works in close partnership with Arsi University and the Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital (ATRH), the primary referral center for nearly four million people. These collaborations form the backbone of the institute’s mission to strengthen clinical care, advance academic training, and support regional health system development. Through joint research, training, and capacity-building activities, GHIDA fosters sustainable, long-term collaborations between Ethiopia and Germany. By integrating into international scientific networks and delivering high-quality research and education, the institute aims to improve healthcare delivery, expand scientific capacity, and contribute meaningfully to global health.
