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The third anniversary of worlds’ tropical disease day had been hosted by the Sidama Regional State. On the occasion State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma said that diseases such as elephantiasis, pneumonia, lymphadenopathy, hydrocephalus, leukemia, and other diseases have been neglected for a long time, causing physical, psychological, social and economic harm to citizens. He called on all stakeholders in the health sector to pay due attention and work together to improve the quality of health care everywhere.
He recalled that Ethiopia has been focusing on tropical diseases for the past five years and developing a strategy that has made a difference.
He said the main cause of tropical diseases is poor personal and environmental hygiene and the community should focus on hygiene. Stakeholders have also been requested to provide assistance in preventing and controlling tropical diseases by providing quality services and allocating the necessary resources. He also thanked those who have helped so far.
Dr. Burema Sambo, Ethiopia's Representative to the World Health Organization (WHO) on his part praised Ethiopia's attention to tropical diseases and said that the World Health Organization (WHO) will provide all necessary support.
Dr. Selamwit Mengesha, Head of the Sidama National Regional State Health Bureau, said the celebration of the Disease Awareness Day in the state will give a great impetus to the work being done by the Bureau of Health. She also conveyed a welcome message to the participants.
During the occasion, the strategy of preventing tropical diseases was presented to the participants and it was noted that serious issues still need to be addressed by all parties.