Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 3-5 November 2026
Ethiopia is set to make history by hosting the 7th Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting 2026, becoming the first country in Africa and the first host in the World Health Organization African Region to welcome the flagship global gathering of the Emergency Medical Teams Network.
The meeting, scheduled for 3-5 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, will bring together hundreds of participants from across the world, including government representatives, emergency health professionals, policy-makers, researchers, humanitarian partners, and members of the global EMT community. Hosted by the Government of Ethiopia in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the event marks a significant milestone for both Ethiopia and the African continent.
Under the theme “Strengthening Global Emergency Medical Response Together,” the meeting will provide a platform to review achievements, share lessons from recent health emergencies and humanitarian crises, strengthen national and regional emergency response capacities, and advance innovation and research in emergency medical response.
The EMT Global Meeting comes at a critical moment as the global EMT Network reaches the midpoint of the EMT 2030 Strategy, a roadmap aimed at ensuring that countries have the capacity to provide timely, quality emergency medical care during outbreaks, disasters, conflicts, and other public health emergencies. Participants will discuss progress made to date, identify emerging challenges, and chart the way forward for strengthening global health emergency preparedness and response.
Hosting the meeting reflects Ethiopia’s growing role in global health security and emergency preparedness. In recent years, the country has invested significantly in strengthening its emergency response capabilities, including the development and verification of its National Emergency Medical Team, expansion of emergency coordination mechanisms, and establishment of training and surge capacity systems.
The meeting will feature a range of activities, including an EMT Exhibition showcasing innovations and best practices from around the world, a Classification Ceremony recognizing newly classified Emergency Medical Teams, technical sessions, networking opportunities, and the EMT Film Festival. Participants will also have an opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s rich culture and heritage through organized site visits and cultural events.
As the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the African Union and numerous international organizations, Addis Ababa provides an ideal setting for this landmark event. The meeting is expected to further strengthen collaboration among countries and partners committed to improving emergency medical response capacity worldwide.
By hosting the 7th EMT Global Meeting, Ethiopia not only highlights its commitment to emergency preparedness and response but also places Africa at the center of global discussions on health emergency management. The event represents a unique opportunity to showcase African leadership, innovation, and experience in responding to health emergencies while fostering stronger partnerships for a safer and healthier world.
The Government of Ethiopia welcomes delegates from across the globe to Addis Ababa and looks forward to a successful meeting that will advance collective efforts to save lives and deliver quality emergency medical care wherever and whenever it is needed.
Source: www.afro.who.int
