Viral respiratory infections such as SARS-CoV-2 continue to pose a major public health challenge in Ethiopia. Recurring outbreaks can endanger vulnerable population groups and place a significant strain on health systems.

GHIDA strengthens the detection and surveillance of respiratory viral infections through modern laboratory diagnostics, including real-time PCR and genomic sequencing. A particular focus is on characterizing circulating viral variants, supporting outbreak investigations, and building sustainable capacity for rapid diagnosis and response to infectious disease events. In addition to directly investigating respiratory viral infections, GHIDA also analyzes the impact of outbreaks on existing health services. Particular attention is given to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the continuity and quality of routine care for people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as to the challenges faced by health systems during major infectious disease outbreaks.

Through close collaboration with local and international partners, GHIDA aims to improve early detection, guide targeted interventions, and strengthen preparedness for future threats posed by respiratory viruses.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare in Ethiopia. In addition to supporting SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, GHIDA investigated the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections in various healthcare facilities in Asella and the surrounding area, as well as the pandemic’s impact on care for people living with HIV and tuberculosis.

As part of the PREVENT COVID-19 and COVSERO projects funded by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), diagnostic and scientific capacities were sustainably strengthened: 

• PREVENT COVID-19 takes a multimodal approach: We strengthened laboratory capacities by training staff and installing new equipment for PCR diagnostics and automated RNA extraction; we have also introduced hygiene protocols and a mobile app for contact tracing.

• COVSERO is dedicated to investigating the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and is using a state-of-the-art serology analyzer for the first time. Sequencing analyses are also being conducted.