The 26th Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication Program (EDEP) Annual Review Meeting (ARM) has ended successfully

The 26th Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication Program (EDEP) Annual Review Meeting (ARM) has ended successfully. This meeting was a great opportunity to review the annual program performance, exchange experiences and set recommendations – all contributing to the eradication effort.

Mr. Aschalew Abayneh, Deputy Director General of EPHI officially closed the meeting underlining the need to investigate the root cause for the persistence of Guinea Worm in Ethiopia. He stated that the issue of solving safe water problem in endemic woredas of Gambella region is one of the main strategies to interrupt GWD. The importance of bringing relevant stakeholders and partners working on safe water provision together in order to address the issue of availing safe water for the resident community has also been underlined.

In addition, the need to strengthen intersectoral collaboration and bringing all stakeholders and partners on board to work together for better achievement as well as identification of previous recommendations and action points not yet implemented were put as action points.

The DDG acknowledged the continued support from partner organizations and affirmed that MOH and EPHI are fully committed in the implementation and monitoring of the program and in the effort towards realization of the global initiative to eradicate Guinea Worm Disease.