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H.E. Dr. Mekdes, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, met with Dr. Simone Knapp, the Austrian Ambassador, to explore avenues for deeper cooperation in the health sector. Highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two nations, Dr. Knapp expressed Austria’s interest in expanding this relationship.
Dr. Mekdes emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening Ethiopia’s healthcare system and identified key areas for alignment, including non-communicable diseases, local manufacturing, and health system strengthening. Dr. Knapp announced that Austria will host a business forum in honor of Austria’s National Day, where several companies, including health sector enterprises, are expected to attend.
Dr. Mekdes extended an invitation to the visiting companies to tour local healthcare facilities, expressing hope that their involvement will further strengthen Ethiopia’s health infrastructure. She also encouraged other businesses attending the forum to explore opportunities within Ethiopia’s growing local manufacturing initiative, fostering deeper collaboration between the two nations in advancing healthcare innovation and economic development.