The Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine (HITM) in Asella was founded by Prof. Dieter Häussinger, former Director of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital Düsseldorf (1994–2020). The partnership with Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) was formally initiated in 2009 through a Letter of Intent, followed by a cooperation agreement in 2010, marking the beginning of the institute’s development.  The construction of the institute was made possible in part through a generous donation by Mr. Wolfgang Hirsch. The Building was completed in late 2012, and the institute was officially inaugurated on October 16, 2013, with representatives from ASTU, University Hospital Düsseldorf, and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf in attendance.

In 2020, Prof. Tom Lüdde was appointed Director of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases and assumed leadership of the HITM.

In January 2026, the institute evolved into the Global Health Institute Düsseldorf Arsi (GHIDA), reflecting a broadened global health mandate beyond traditional tropical medicine.  This transition highlights an expanded focus on equitable partnerships, interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and innovation (including AI approaches) in global health. With this reorganization, Prof. Lüdde serves as Chairman of GHIDA, Prof. Torsten Feldt as Director, and Associate Prof. Tafese B. Tufa as Deputy Director.