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The 74th World Health Organization Forum on the African Continent continues in Brazzaville, Congo.
In the forum, it was stated that epidemics and other public health emergencies are occurring in Africa at various times and that they are a serious threat to the health of the community.
Remembering that Ebola, Covid-19 and other epidemics have caused great damage in the African region, she has raised the fact that the health risk of Mpox is especially worrying for Africa.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, who presented her thoughts at the forum, mentioned that there is no suspected or caught Mpox case in Ethiopia so far, and stated that extensive preventive and control work is being done to prevent the disease from occurring, and to control it if it occurs.
In order to prevent and control epidemics and sudden health hazards in Africa, the minister said, countries must work together on the principle of "Africa's solution to Africa's problems".
Dr. Mekdes, who mentioned the need for African leaders to advise on the issue and provide different solutions; she said that it is necessary to strengthen one's own leadership capacity, strengthen joint institutions, find resources, and strengthen inspection and control activities in the border area through cooperation.
Dr. Mekdes, who pointed out that Ethiopia is implementing a medium-term health investment and strategic plan, said it is necessary to support investment in the sector to prevent and control diseases.
The minister said that special attention should be paid to the development of leadership skills and capacity of health professionals in the health sector. She said that Ethiopia will continue to strengthen its cooperation and support in this regard together with the relevant stakeholders.
Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, also presented the experience being done in Ethiopia to eliminate polio. She said that the Polio vaccine is being given in the regular vaccination program and in the form of a campaign. She said that inspection and control work is being done according to the standard at the entry and exit boarders with neighboring countries and at the airports.