REPORT ON
Ethiopia Suicide Study - Human Centered Design Creation Workshops
Prepared by: Lieliena Mesele (M.D, MPH,)
Donor :-AFSP

August, 2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopian Pediatrics Society (EPS), in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Northwestern University (NU), successfully conducted a four-day Human-Centered Design workshop in Addis Ababa this August.

The workshop brought together clinicians, researchers, MOH representatives, and community members with lived experience to adapt and refine a suicide prevention safety planning intervention for Ethiopian youth.

Over four days, participants:

✅ Reviewed needs assessment findings
✅ Co-created culturally relevant solutions to key challenges (emotional expression, means restriction, caregiver involvement, and community engagement)
✅ Tested new clinical workflows through role plays and simulations
✅ Strengthened collaboration across EPS, AAP, NU, MOH, and Community Advisory Board members

This workshop marks a pivotal milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward a sustainable, community-owned suicide prevention strategy—rooted in both technical expertise and lived experience.

🙏 We sincerely thank the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), as well as AAP and NU, for their invaluable support and collaboration.
📍 Next steps include refining tools, strengthening referral systems, and preparing for implementation across Addis Ababa, Jimma, Gondar, and Haramaya.

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