Ethiopia will host the 7th Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting in November, marking the first time the global gathering will be held in Africa as countries seek to strengthen their capacity to respond to disease outbreaks, disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The meeting, scheduled for November 3–5, 2026, in Addis Ababa, will bring together hundreds of government representatives, emergency health professionals, policymakers, researchers and humanitarian partners to discuss ways of improving emergency medical response worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the meeting will provide a platform for countries to review progress in emergency medical response, share lessons from recent health emergencies and identify strategies to strengthen national and regional preparedness.
The gathering comes as countries face the continuing challenge of responding to infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts and other public health emergencies that require rapid access to quality medical care.
Under the theme “Strengthening Global Emergency Medical Response Together,”participants will examine progress towards the EMT 2030 Strategy, a global roadmap aimed at ensuring countries can provide timely and quality emergency medical services when crises occur.
The meeting will also explore emerging challenges and opportunities for innovation and research in emergency medical response.
WHO said Ethiopia’s selection as host reflects its growing role in global health security and emergency preparedness.
In recent years, the country has invested in strengthening its emergency response systems, including developing and verifying its National Emergency Medical Team, expanding emergency coordination mechanisms and establishing training and surge-capacity systems.
The meeting will feature technical sessions, an exhibition showcasing emergency medical innovations and best practices, a classification ceremony recognising newly classified Emergency Medical Teams, and an EMT Film Festival.
Participants will also have opportunities to network and take part in cultural activities highlighting Ethiopia’s heritage.
The Emergency Medical Teams Network brings together medical teams that provide direct clinical care to populations affected by emergencies. Its work supports efforts to ensure that teams responding to crises meet recognised standards and can be deployed effectively when health systems face extraordinary pressure.
For African countries, strengthening emergency medical response remains important as governments work to improve preparedness for outbreaks and other crises that can overwhelm health facilities and disrupt access to essential healthcare.
Hosting the meeting will give African health professionals, governments and humanitarian organisations an opportunity to share their experiences and contribute to international discussions on emergency response.
The gathering will be hosted by the Government of Ethiopia in collaboration with WHO.
Addis Ababa, which hosts the African Union and numerous international organisations, is expected to provide a platform for countries and partners to strengthen cooperation on emergency medical preparedness.
WHO said the meeting aims to advance collective efforts to improve emergency response capacity and ensure quality medical care is available wherever and whenever it is needed.
