The State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, who led the visit, said in his message that the purpose of the visit was to observe the medical services that the Global Fund has been supporting since 2003 in TB, HIV, malaria, and health system strengthening activities at the Del Fre Health Center, and to observe the changes that the Global Fund is making in the provision of services at health institutions and to create a common understanding on the conditions for continuing the eighth cycle of support.

In her opening remarks, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba explained that the forum is a platform for African ministers to exchange experiences and reach consensus on how to work together; she explained that the conference focused primarily on reproductive health issues.

The 156th session of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, of which Ethiopia is a member, is currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland.

Addressing the forum, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said that Ethiopia is committed to strengthening primary health care and building a strong health system.

The Minister added that efforts are being made to build a sustainable health system, increase domestic production of medical supplies, provide quality health services, and produce qualified health personnel.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, who mentioned that the Ministry of Health is working to ensure equitable access to health services for citizens; encouraged Wafid Medical to cooperate with health institutions in our country to provide citizens going to work in Gulf countries for medical examinations; She asked them to help ensure equitable access to health services being provided nationwide by expanding the institution's plans to hospitals in the regions in addition to the ones they have.

The Global Health Initiative Delegation, a coalition of development partners of the Ministry of Health, visited Motite Fura Primary Hospital, Hawela Tula Health Center, Qulba Health Center, and the Hawassa Branch of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service in the Sidama Region.

The Global Health Initiative delegation met with the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, to discuss health systems strengthening.

Representatives of the Global Health Initiative (GHI) held a productive discussion with the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, on key health issues and areas for collaboration. The discussion focused on advancing the Lusaka Agenda, improving accountability, and sharing Ethiopia's successful experiences with other Lusaka Agenda members.

During a discussion held at her office, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said that the Ministry of Health has been working with MedAction for a long time; noting that many children are waiting for heart surgery; she thanked MedAction for starting to provide free heart surgery services for children. Dr. Mekdes added that the Ministry of Health will provide all necessary support to MedAction.

Ethiopian standards Institute in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Accreditation service, development partners and other stakeholders is working to launch health care accreditation program in Ethiopia. This Health care accreditation is new in our country, before launching the program the draft document as per standardization principle should be released for public enquiry.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said at the forum that the meeting aimed to discuss strategies to reduce the cost of malaria drugs and strengthen efforts to prevent malaria.

Dr. Mekdes stressed the importance and priority of increasing community participation in preventing malaria; she told partners that strengthening primary healthcare facilities and enhancing prevention activities should be at the forefront of their efforts.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, who received the team of doctors who came to Ethiopia for the third round of free heart surgeries, thanked the team on behalf of the patient community for their good work. She added that the signing of the agreement will help increase the number of heart surgeries provided in our country.