A high-level delegation headed by the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture and  comprising representatives from WHO, FAO and UNICEF today visited drought affected areas in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State. In Dubluk district, the delegation observed acute malnutrition treatment activities and water quality testing activities at Dubluk Health center.

The team has visited Gode General Hospital’s malnutritional treatment center and emergency response treatment as well as the vaccination, nutrition, drinking water supply and veterinary support services in Gode Woreda provided by the coordinated efforts of the Federal, Regional and Partner organizations.

In addition to the visit, the delegation held discussions with the President of the Region, his excellency Mr. Mustafa Mohamed, and other regional officials on drought response plan and support.

Ethiopia’s second radiology center has opened at the Jima University Hospital. The opening of the center will significantly expand access to radiation treatment for cancer patients which was so far available only at the Black Lion Specialized Hospital.

 
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Health Dr.Liya Tadesse said work is underway to build seven additional centers in different parts of the country in response to the worrying trends in cancer prevalence and incidence,   and a large backlog of cancer patients waiting to access treatment across Ethiopia. 

The Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, received support from Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Relief Country Director Ryan Lane. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lia said the US-based Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Relief has been supporting our country in various areas including drinking water supply and sanitation, Covid-19, and other emergency responses, and now have provided 12.5 million birr worth of medical supplies and equipment to Ethiopia. 
 

The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supplies Agency has started the distribution of drugs and medical supplies donated by members of the Ethiopian diaspora to health facilities impacted by the war. Benefiting from the latest disbursement started 11 Feb. 2022 are hospitals and health centers in Shoarobit, Ataye, Kemise, Kombolcha, and Dessie, all located in Amhara Regional State. The next round of distribution will target health facilities in Afar Regional State.

Speaking to the press at the launch of the second round national COVID 19 vaccination campaign, Minister of Health Dr.Lia Tadesse said the pandemic has led to widespread social, economic, and psychological crises, and continues to be a major source of national concern and burden to the health delivery system.   

Various types of COVID 19 vaccinations with proven efficacy are being provided in Ethiopia, Dr.Lia said adding that more than 10 million Ethiopians have been vaccinated so far, out of which 4 million are fully vaccinated. 

The Government of Israel has donated medical equipment and supplies valued at about USD 30,000 in support of Ethiopia’s effort in the prevention and treatment of COVID 19. Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Aleligne Admassu handed over the donation to Minister of Health Dr.Liya Tadesse at a ceremony held on 14 Feb.2022. 

Ethiopia has received COVID-19 vaccine support from European Union. 

Six EU countries have contributed for this support: France (6746,400), Finland (1699200), Denmark (1560000), Greece (1346400), Italy (1264110), Sweden (480690), and a total of 13,096,800 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. 

The handover ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of the countries, embassy representatives and UNICEF officials where they discussed with the Minister of Health, Dr Lia Tadesse.

 During the handover ceremony, the Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, said that Ethiopian nation defense force is making a significant contribution to the survival of the country and commended the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for their support to the country. she said the support includes 5 million birr and more than 200,000  birr worth of sheets, pajamas and sandals.

State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, handed over houses built for six low-income households in Aleta Wondo town through the Kiremt Welfare Service. He recalled that the Ministry of Health has been involved in planting trees and assisting the weak through the Kiremt Welfare Service and added that exemplary work has also been done in Aleta Wondo town. He said, the houses are equipped with basic necessities and that the support will be continued.