Health Minister, WHO head discuss collaboration and initiatives

Addis Ababa, June 7, 2024 (FBC) – On the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, this week, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, engaged in a discussion with the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom.

During their conversation, the WHO head reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting initiatives aimed at bolstering the health workforce, enhancing health financing, ensuring routine immunization, and containing outbreaks of malaria and cholera.

Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, emphasized the country’s continued dedication to achieving universal health coverage. She expressed enthusiasm for strengthening collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly in the realm of Primary Health Care.

Additionally, she highlighted efforts to enhance human resources development within the health sector, including the emergency, with the goal of establishing a robust emergency medical service center in the Horn of Africa region.

The two officials also discussed Ethiopia’s interest and potential to invest in local production of medical products. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia’s active participation in the International Health Regulations Amendments and the Pandemic Accord negotiations.

He also asked the Minister to ensure WHO and humanitarian partners have access to deliver health aid in all conflict-affected areas across the country.