National Review Meeting held on Guinea Worm Eradication Program
July 14, 2014
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute, EPHI has conducted a National Review Meeting on the Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication program that was held from March 17 to 18, 2014, at Wabishebelle hotel, Addis Ababa.
The meeting coordinators revealed that the meeting is mainly organized to revisit the eradication program so as to put workable implementation plan in the concerned regions which are exposed for resurgence of cases. In addition to that, it is also aimed to expedite the process of interrupting Guinea Worm Disease transmission in 2015 and at the same time to make the country prepared for certification by 2018.
Dr. Amha Kebede Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, EPHI in his opening remarks said that, the gathering is tasked to take stock of the progress this program have made in 2013 and to see how we can enhance progress to end the transmission of the disease by 2015.
He also stressed that the Institute is expecting from the participants to review epidemiological situation of the disease at each level, review the implementation program of 2013 planned activities, identify challenges, discuss on specific themes and forward workable recommendations to be carried out at all levels with the support of our partners.
Dr. Zerihun Tadesse, representative of the Carter Center, in his keynote speech said that, “on behalf of the Carter Center I would like to express our renewed commitment to further strengthen our support to the Government of Ethiopia in its fight against Guinea Worm Eradication program at this last chapter”.
Dr. Abate Mulugeta, Representing the World Health Organization, WHO said that, WHO is being providing support to the Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication program since the commencement of the eradication program. “I want to reassure the WHO’s commitment to strengthen the national efforts and will continue the support and there is no doubt that Guinea Worm Disease will be eradicated soon” added Dr. Abebe,
In the national review meeting on Guinea Worm Eradication program attracted several representatives including from Carter Center, WHO, Gambella National Regional State Health Bureaus and Southern national regional State.
Dr. Amha Kebede Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, EPHI in his opening remarks said that, the gathering is tasked to take stock of the progress this program have made in 2013 and to see how we can enhance progress to end the transmission of the disease by 2015.
He also stressed that the Institute is expecting from the participants to review epidemiological situation of the disease at each level, review the implementation program of 2013 planned activities, identify challenges, discuss on specific themes and forward workable recommendations to be carried out at all levels with the support of our partners.
Dr. Zerihun Tadesse, representative of the Carter Center, in his keynote speech said that, “on behalf of the Carter Center I would like to express our renewed commitment to further strengthen our support to the Government of Ethiopia in its fight against Guinea Worm Eradication program at this last chapter”.
Dr. Abate Mulugeta, Representing the World Health Organization, WHO said that, WHO is being providing support to the Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication program since the commencement of the eradication program. “I want to reassure the WHO’s commitment to strengthen the national efforts and will continue the support and there is no doubt that Guinea Worm Disease will be eradicated soon” added Dr. Abebe,
In the national review meeting on Guinea Worm Eradication program attracted several representatives including from Carter Center, WHO, Gambella National Regional State Health Bureaus and Southern national regional State.