Advancing respiratory care in Ethiopia

With over 120 million people, Ethiopia currently has no formally trained Interventional Pulmonologists, despite a high burden of respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and

post-infectious lung complications. Studies show that minimally invasive pulmonary procedures improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier diagnosis, reducing complications, and shortening hospital stays. However, due to the lack of trained specialists, many patients face delays or must seek treatment abroad—options inaccessible to most.

To address this gap, GHEP is working to establish Ethiopia’s first Interventional Pulmonology (IP) training program for physicians in collaboration with St. Paul’s Millennium Medical College, Axon, and potential U.S.-based partners. This initiative aims to equip local physicians with specialized skills in bronchoscopy, pleural interventions, and lung disease management, strengthening pulmonary care infrastructure and improving patient access to life-saving procedures.

Globally, IP has been shown to reduce lung disease-related morbidity and mortality by enhancing early detection and minimizing the need for invasive surgeries. By introducing this training in Ethiopia, GHEP seeks to build long-term local expertise, reduce treatment barriers, and create a sustainable model for expanding advanced respiratory care across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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