About Us

1. Institutional Background

Jigjiga Health Science College is a government-registered institution established in 1991 EC as a public health college. The college currently provides training in six diploma programs and five BSc programs, addressing the critical shortage of qualified health professionals in the Somali Region and Ethiopia at large.

2. Public Health Context

Ethiopia continues to face significant health challenges shaped by:

Widespread poverty, High maternal and child mortality

High prevalence of communicable diseases and trauma Rising public awareness of health and civic rights, Rapid population growth

These factors have dramatically increased the national demand for accessible and high-quality health services.

3. National Health Policy Alignment

As part of the national response, the Government of Ethiopia strengthened health care quality through Health Sector Development Program III (HSDP-III), aligned with MDGs, with strong emphasis on Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

A major gap persists in the Somali Region: the ratio of highly trained clinical professionals to population remains extremely low.

4. Rationale for BSc-Level Training

To address the shortage, expanding BSc-level training in key health fields became essential. The college prioritizes training in: BSc Medical Laboratory Science, BSc Pharmacy, BSc Health Informatics

Graduates of these programs play critical roles by: Investigating and diagnosing common health disorders, Ensuring effective and safe drug supply management, Maintaining accurate, reliable health data for decision-making

These cadres are cost-effective and highly impactful in reducing preventable clinical and public health problems across the Somali Region and Ethiopia.

5. Training Philosophy and Competency Focus

In alignment with national standards, the college prepares graduates to deliver the majority of essential public health services at rural health centers.

Graduates are trained to: Provide health promotion and disease prevention services, Deliver curative care at PHC level

Participate in emergency medical procedures, including:

Caesarean sections, Trauma management, Appendectomy

6. Strategic Impact

By producing capable, ethical, and community-oriented health professionals, Jigjiga Health Science College contributes directly to improving health outcomes, expanding service coverage, and meeting the urgent needs of underserved communities in the Somali Region and beyond.