Organizations in today’s world usually face uncertainties at various levels of implementing their

routine functions. The degree of such uncertainty is highest among non-government organizations

that do not have regular and reliable budget sources. However, public organizations are also

increasingly required to adopt visionary planning in order to guide their activities in a systematic

and accountable manner.

In terms of improving internal operations, strategic planning clarifies and communicates the core

mission, vision and objectives of the organization to internal stakeholders so that resources are

focused on a manageable set of key opportunities that are aligned with the specified vision,

mission and objectives. In other words, the availability of strategic planning will provide internal

stakeholders with a clear roadmap for achieving key goals.

From the point of view of outward communication, on the other hand, strategic planning clearly

defines the purpose, focus and capabilities of the organization to external stakeholders. In addition

to aiding in establishing external credibility for the organization; such external communication

enables proactive identification and management of external forces and resources that impact the

organization.

The special importance of strategic planning for non-government and professional organizations

such as the EPHA cannot be overemphasized.

It is in view of all these that the EPHA has prepared its second five year strategic plan (2005 –

2009). The preparation process has involved the contracting of consultants, establishing of a

Strategic Plan sub-Committee within the Executive Board and circulation of an earlier draft to the

EPHA General Assembly for comments.

Among other things, the unique feature of the current strategic plan is the fact that its

implementation starts by fundamentally changing the Association’s organizational structure. The

Executive Board has been given the mandate for such restructuring by the General Assembly at its

15th Annual Conference.

The Executive Board hopes that the current SP, with its organizational restructuring puts EPHA in

a yet new chapter with enhanced visibility and impact within the Ethiopian health sector.

 

Damen Haile Mariam, MD, MPH, PhD

President of EPHA

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia