One Health MoU Unveiled, Strategic Plan is Launched
The Government of Ethiopia, in partnership with the United States Government and other partners, unveiled the One Health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and launched a One Health Strategic Plan, declaring Ethiopia’s commitment to proactively protect Ethiopians from infectious disease threats and to improve global health security on October 2, 2018.
H.E. Dr. Gebre Egiziabher Gebre Yohannes State Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Resources in his opening remark of the launching ceremony said that with the One Health MoU and the Strategic Plan launch, the Government of Ethiopia is committed to coordinated action and information sharing across health sectors to minimize outbreaks and save lives.
“One Health approach which brings together professionals and stakeholders from various sectors, notably human health, animal health and the environment is vital in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness towards protecting Ethiopians from emerging infectious diseases and promoting global health security. The approach is particularly useful in developing countries like Ethiopia which are faced with resource and capacity constraints to prevent, detect and respond to increasing concerns posed by emerging public health threats,” added the State Minister.
Also USAID Ethiopia Deputy Mission Director Alicia Dinerstein in her key note speech lauded Ethiopia for establishing a One Health coordination mechanism to strengthen health security.
“We look forward to seeing Ethiopia put One Health in action, and we look forward to working with you to achieve Ethiopia’s One Health goals. For Ethiopia and for the United States, working to achieve those goals is an investment in a healthier future for Ethiopians and for everyone around the world,” said Dinerstein.
After the keynote speeches and opening speeches by the core government stakeholders of the One Health approach Dr. Feyissa Regassa, Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s (EPHI) Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Director; who is also secretary of the One Health Approach steering committee, presented the Key Achievements of the Steering Committee and Overview of the documents which have been just launched. Following his presentation the launching ceremony entertained a panel discussion on the future and sustainability of One Health approach in Ethiopia.