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In the press conference given to the journalists regarding the prevention of the spread of current epidemics, the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, emphasized that monitoring and prevention activities should be strengthened, since the spread of epidemics related to the beginning of the winter season of our country may increase.
In particular, climate change and unseasonal rains have increased the risk of the spread of malaria, explained Dr. Mekdes. She said that the malaria epidemic in Africa has increased significantly in the last 2 years. The minister said that 69% of citizens in Ethiopia live in malaria-prone areas. She requested the community and all stakeholders to actively participate in the prevention and control of the disease, especially during the winter months.
It is suggested in the statement that negligence plays a major role in the spread of the disease; It has been stated that malaria is spreading in 10 regions of our country. In the past one month, medical services have been provided to more than seven hundred thousand citizens who were infected with the disease.
The media has been asked to do its part, in order to improve the community's use of malaria nets, as well as to educate the community about spraying chemicals. A message has been sent to health extension workers to focus on preventing malaria and other outbreak.
At the same time, efforts are being made to increase access to clean water and vaccination to prevent cholera. The community has been asked to implement information about measles vaccination.
State Minister of Health Dr. Derje Duguma explained that the spread of diseases caused by man-made and natural disasters in our country has increased. He stated that great efforts are being made to coordinate stakeholders to prevent outbreaks.
Dr. Mesai Hailu, the director general of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, explained that preparedness, monitoring, prevention and response are being carried out in an intensive manner. Noting that the institute is responsible for monitoring, preventing and responding to any health risks; He explained that they were able to reduce the damage caused by the diseases due to the prevention and control of many infectious diseases.
Dr. Abdulkadir Gelgelo, Director General of the Ethiopian Drug Provider Service, said on his part, the distribution of drugs is being done in a different ways in areas with security threats. He said that the distribution of malaria tests and drugs, and the distribution of anti-malarial drugs and resources to prevent the spread of malaria have been carried out. He also explained that the control of malaria drugs imported into the country illegally has been carried out.