Health For Armenia (HFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving primary healthcare in rural Armenia, is excited to announce the launch of its Leadership Development Program and the inaugural class of doctors entering its Healthcare Academy this summer. This marks a major step forward in HFA’s mission to empower healthcare providers and improve health outcomes in underserved communities across the country.
Inspired by the highly successful Teach For Armenia model, this groundbreaking program aims to train and support the next generation of family medicine leaders in Armenia’s rural areas. Through a comprehensive curriculum, HFA will equip these doctor-leaders with the leadership skills, medical knowledge, and professional networks needed to drive primary care reform from within Armenia’s healthcare system.
The inaugural cohort of 10 doctor-leaders will undergo an intensive, hands-on training experience at the Healthcare Academy, which is being developed in partnership with the HENAR Foundation. After completing their training, these fellows will be deployed to rural areas across Armenia, where they will work on improving healthcare access, quality, and community engagement.
The program’s curriculum combines four core pillars:
These elements work together to ensure that each doctor-leader is fully prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The program culminates in a capstone project, where fellows will design and implement healthcare initiatives that directly address the needs of their communities, with measurable outcomes aimed at improving local health systems.
“We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact leadership training has had in Armenia’s rural schools through the Teach For Armenia program. I’m thrilled that our model is now being applied to healthcare, training the next generation of healthcare leaders and creating a new talent pipeline for Armenia’s healthcare system,” said Larisa Hovannisian, founder and CEO of Teach For Armenia and a board member of Health For Armenia.
Armenia’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of trained professionals. HFA’s Leadership Development Program is part of a broader strategy to address these issues by fostering a new generation of healthcare leaders equipped with the skills to implement innovative solutions and drive systemic change across Armenia.
“We have seen how grassroots organizations can create lasting change by investing in the development of the next generation of professionals. By investing in the people who will drive systems change in healthcare, we are investing in the future well-being of our entire nation,” said Sara Anjargolian, board member of Health For Armenia.
The program was developed in close collaboration with key partners including the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Health, the Yerevan State Medical University, and the RA National Institute of Health. This partnership ensures the program aligns with national healthcare priorities and contributes to building a sustainable healthcare workforce.
The launch of this program was made possible through the generous support of the HENAR Foundation, the H.Hovnanian Family Foundation, the Vahe & Lucie Foundation, the Gulamerian Foundation and AMAA Armenia.
As this innovative program begins its journey, HFA is excited to see how these doctor-leaders will transform healthcare in rural Armenia, not just as caregivers but as community advocates and change-makers. With the support of local and international partners, Health For Armenia is helping to build a healthier, more equitable future for all Armenians.
To learn more about the Health For Armenia Leadership Development Program and how you can get involved, visit www.HealthForArmenia.org.
Contact:
Lusine Manukyan, Executive Director
Email: info@healthforarmenia.org
