Ethiopia Hosts WHO Emergency Medical Teams Meeting, a First for Africa

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Ethiopia is hosting the seventh World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams Global Meeting from November 3 to 5, 2026, marking the first time the gathering has been held in the WHO African Region.

WHO Africa said more than 800 participants from over 100 countries are gathering in Addis Ababa to discuss how national and international medical teams can deliver timely care during disasters, outbreaks and other major emergencies.

Strengthening local capacity

Emergency Medical Teams are groups of trained professionals equipped to provide clinical services when existing health systems face acute pressure. Their work is designed to support national health authorities and follow shared safety and quality standards.

Meeting discussions include sustainable financing, team readiness, training, international cooperation and lessons learned from recent emergencies. The gathering supports the WHO's EMT 2030 Strategy.

Progress in Africa

WHO reported that 30 countries in its African Region are developing national emergency-medical-team capacity. Ethiopia's national team achieved international classification in September 2026 after a review of its clinical, logistical and operational readiness.

Strengthening national teams can help countries respond more quickly to floods, disease outbreaks and other events requiring additional clinical capacity. For Ghana and other African nations, the practical results will depend on investments in equipment, staff and reliable deployment systems.

Sources: WHO Africa news release, November 2, 2026: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ethiopia/news/ethiopia-hosts-first-emergency-medical-teams-global-meeting-africa ; WHO event information: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2026/11/03/default-calendar/emt-global-meeting-addis-ababa-ethiopia