The day has been celebrated in the victory of Adwa Museum, and we must work together to stop the spread of HIV for the next generation, said State Minister of Health Dr. Dereje Duguma. In his opening speech, he said that the celebration of World AIDS Day under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” is a commitment to create favorable conditions for the effective implementation of the goal of achieving an inclusive HIV response that focuses on the needs of all segments of society and ensures that AIDS is not a public health threat by 2030.

The three-day conference, which will last for three days, has kicked off in Addis Ababa; Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said in her opening remarks that self-care is essential for the health service system.

Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to maintain their own health and prevent disease, with or without the support of a health professional.

Dr. Mekdes said that self-care helps individuals take control of their own health; self-care has enabled MoH to increase the coverage of reproductive health services in Ethiopia.

Dr. Mekdes said that Canada is one of the countries with which Ethiopia has established strong friendship; she stated that the friendship between the two countries has been and will continue to be strengthened.

Among the issues discussed by Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba with Canadian Ambassador Joshua Tabeh were increasing domestic production of medicines and vaccines, implementing electronic medical record in health institutions, digitizing the health sector, and modernizing and expanding access to primary health care services.

In her speech at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, stressed that the agreement signed will help strengthen NEPAD’s footprint in Ethiopia, support health systems and improve access to safe, effective and affordable health services.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba held a meeting with a delegation from USAID Washington, CDC Atlanta, and Ethiopia PEPFAR to discuss the sustainability of HIV prevention and control efforts in Ethiopia.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba discussed with Rwandan Ambassador Major General Charles Karamba, first of all, the ongoing work on health care human resource development, as well as specialty and sub-specialty training, and ongoing and future work in the health sector.

While welcoming World Bank Country Director Myriam Salim and the delegation, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said that Ethiopia has not been severed from the World Bank's support even during the COVID pandemic and conflict; she stated that the cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the World Bank has enabled the health sector agenda to move forward rapidly.

This year's Reproductive Health Conference was organized by the Ministry of Health, St. Paul's Institute for Reproductive Health and Rights, and Korea Philanthropy under the theme "30 years post ICPD: Achievements, Challenges and Good Opportunities". Organized by KOICA.

State Minister of Health Dr. Ayele, who gave the opening speech of the forum, stated that countries have been able to improve the health of mothers and children by achieving reproductive health in the last 30 years. He said that Ethiopia has been able to ensure gender equality and improve reproductive health.

Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba discussed with Chinese Embassy Minister Councilor Dr. Yang Yihan. It was stated that the malaria drug support provided by the China Aid Project will enter the country in the coming weeks.

Dr. Yang stated that the cooperation and friendship between Ethiopia and China will continue to be stronger than ever. He announced that a doctoral degree scholarship program will be given to Ethiopian experts.

Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, discussed with the founder and director of FNOT, Professor Peter Berman, on how to strengthen the health system in terms of human resource development, local manufacturing, primary health care and health financing.

Professor Berman pointed out that Ethiopia is the first country to implement one plan, one budget and one report; First Health Care has been working since 20 years ago and is achieving excellent results. He also confirmed that their project will work to support the health sector as much as possible.