EPHA and EAS organize panel discussion on EVD outbreak

The Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) organized and conducted apanel discussion on the current Ebola outbreak on November 19, 2014 at Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Professor Masresha Fetene, Executive Director of EAS, and S/r Fikirte Belete, Vice President of EPHA, warmly welcomed the guests and participants of the panel discussion on behalf of their respective organizations. They also appreciated the commitment and preparedness of the government to prevent an Ebola outbreak in Ethiopia.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Taye Tolera, Head of State Minister’s Office and Advisor at the Federal Ministry of Health noted that Ebola is causing serious socio-economic and political repercussions particularly in West African countries affected by the outbreak.

He stressed that no incidence of EVD has been reported in Ethiopia so far and dwelt at length on the prevention and control measures being taken by the government of Ethiopia to preempt an Ebola outbreak in the country.

Several presentations were made on the occasion by various panelists including internist, Dr. Admasu Tena (Internist; at the College of Health Sciences, AAU),   Dr. Tewabech Bishaw AFPHA Secretary General, Dr. Yeras-work  Admasie Sociologist at the Addis Ababa University and Dr. Daddi Jimma, Deputy Director of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The sessions were moderated by Dr Takele Geresu (EPHA Board member) and Prof Sileshi LulSeged (The health sector president of EAS).

A joint position paper developed by the Ethiopia Public Health Association (EPHA) and the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) regarding the current Ebola outbreak was read out by Dr. Hailegnaw Eshete, Executive Director of EPHA, at the conclusion of the half-day panel discussion attended by more than 400 Participants.