Workshop to Establish One Health Mechanism Held

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Fishery and Livestock, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Wild Life Conservation Authority and USAID organized a consultative workshop towards establishing a One Health Coordination Mechanism for Ethiopia from August 16 to 18, 2016 in Capital Hotel, Addis Ababa.
The main objectives of the workshop were to establish and strengthen National One Health platforms and develop and implement National Preparedness and Response plans.
Her Excellency Dr. Misrak Mekonnen state minister of the Ethiopian Fishery and Livestock on her opening speech after welcoming the participants explained how the One Health program can ensure the livestock development and wild life health in Ethiopia.
Dawud Mume, Director General of the Ethiopian Wild Life Conservation Authority on his part said that the Authority has been in the fore front to implement the One Health Program in Ethiopia.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took part in the implementation of this program. And also I would like to confirm that the Authority will continue to contribute in the joint effort to realize the program,” added the Director General.
One Health Programs East Africa’s Regions Regional Director Mr. Serge Nzietchueng presented the global perspective of the program.
“Currently the Ethiopian population is more than 99 million and projected to reach over 126 million in 2025. This growth in population results in increased expansion for search for food and also industrial usage affecting the land influencing the environment resulting in climate change. In parallel with this there will be expanded travel and trade both affecting our health. Thus the idea of One Health handling the health issues in integrated manner will be helpful,” explained Mr. Serge.
The current One Health initiatives in Ethiopia by partners and researchers, the way forward, reflections and personal commitments, and evaluation of the workshop were presented and discussed on the workshop.
The workshop accommodated more than 50 participants drawn from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Fishery and Livestock, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Wild Live Conservation Authority, World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control Ethiopia, USAID, Universities and EPHI.