Ethiopia will be the first African host of the world's emergency medical teams
Hundreds of emergency health specialists meet in Addis Ababa from 3 to 5 November, at the midpoint of a global plan for faster care in outbreaks, disasters and conflicts.
Addis Ababa — Ethiopia will host the 7th Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting in Addis Ababa from 3 to 5 November, the first time the gathering has come to Africa, the World Health Organization's Africa office said.
The meeting of the global EMT network, organised by Ethiopia's government with WHO under the theme "Strengthening Global Emergency Medical Response Together", is expected to draw hundreds of government officials, emergency health professionals, researchers and humanitarian partners.
Why Ethiopia
WHO says the choice reflects Ethiopia's growing role in global health security. In recent years the country has invested in its emergency response, including developing and having its own National Emergency Medical Team verified, expanding its emergency coordination and setting up training and surge capacity.
What happens there
- A review of the EMT 2030 Strategy, which is now at its halfway point and aims to ensure every country can give timely, quality emergency care in outbreaks, disasters and conflicts
- An exhibition of innovations from around the world
- A classification ceremony for newly certified emergency medical teams
- Technical sessions, an EMT film festival, and visits to cultural and heritage sites
WHO says the meeting puts Africa at the centre of global discussions on emergency health care and is a chance to show African leadership and experience in responding to health emergencies.
Source: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, 15 October 2026.
