Research is a powerful tool to alleviate poverty in the developing world. Universities are at strategic position to address the issue of developing the capacity and conduct of problem solving studies. Forging collaboration among likeminded institutions with the relevant expertise and capacity assists building the infrastructure and human resource development in this regard. The idea of starting an academic link between Jimma University and Copenhagen University was coined by Prof. Michael Golden during his visit to Jimma University in November 2004.
His recommendation was based mainly on what Jimma University Specialized Hospital achieved in the treatment of severe malnutrition among children. The academic staff in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (DPCH) had already started some research activities in the area of nutrition. Hence it was a perfect opportunity to strengthen this initiative. Moreover, UNICEF Ethiopia had also been keen to facilitate the process of collaboration by financial support of exchange working visits made by academicians from DPCH, JU and Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the last four years the link has evolved to include academicians from other departments. The scope of research has also expanded accordingly although nutrition is still in focus.
Objective
To strengthen the development of academic environment conducive for mutual and bilateral transfer of knowledge between the two Universities especially in the area of nutrition research
The focus of our research focus is nutrition interventions to improve health ad wellbeing of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their offspring, malnourished children and HIV infected individuals.
For more information click http://www.ju.edu.et/jucan