EPHA’s Pre-conference Meeting Ahead in Bahir Dar

The Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) will organize a pre-conference session on January 25, 2015 in Bahir Dar town.

The major topic for discussion will be the Ebola Epidemic. Since the outbreak, Ebola has been one of the major concerns at regional and national levels. EPHA continues to inform and educate its members on the prevention and control measures of the spread of Ebola.

More than 500 members of the Association and other invited guests are expected to participate at the pre-conference meeting scheduled to be held on February 25, 2015 in Bahir Dar town.

EPHA's Member Awarded "Rising Star Award" of People to People, Inc.

Professor Afework Kassu, Life Member and Executive Board Member of the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA), and former Vice President for Research and Community Service at the University of Gondar has won the "Rising Star Award" of People to People (P2P) for his exemplary academic and research excellence as well as effective leadership at his university including his role in strengthening international partnerships.

The award was given at the 6th Global Ethiopian Diaspora Conference on Health Care and Medical Education held at the Sheraton Pentagon City, in Arlington, VA, USA on September 20th, 2014 in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Keseteberhan Admasu, Ethiopian Minister of Health.

The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Ambassador Girma Birru, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the USA, Mr. Matt Nosanchuk, Director for Outreach at the National Security Council of White House, as well as Ms.Tsehaynesh Abebe, Advisor at USAID Africa Bureau.The main theme of the conference was "Global Health and Its Significance for Ethiopia". About 250 Health Care Professionals from all corners of the United States attended the conference. While most attendees were of Ethiopian origin, non-Ethiopians with work experience or plans of future involvement in Ethiopia were also well represented. Following the award ceremonies, Professor Afework had given a key note lecture on "the historic 60th year Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the University of Gondar, the role of Alumni, and his perspectives on University Education in Ethiopia".

In addition to Professor Afework, P2P awarded two more individuals selected following a competitive process. Accordingly, Professor Fikre Workineh, Professor of Psychiatry at the Addis Ababa University was given the "Life Time Achievement Award" for his pioneering role in the development of Psychiatry in Ethiopia and Sister TsigeredaYisfawossen, Founder and Executive Director of Hospice Ethiopia, was given the "Public Service Award" for her pioneering role in establishing hospice services in Ethiopia.

People To People, Inc. is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) governed by a Board of Directors and operating under IRS code 501 (C) (3). It was founded in April 1999 in the state of Kentucky, USA as a non-profit organization. It has no political, ethnic or religious affiliation. It is comprised of people armed with spirit of compassion to bring hope to those who find themselves in hopeless situations brought about by various determinants. P2P is globally emerging as a bridge and network of the Ethiopian Diaspora committed and willing to give back to its motherland. It has developed strategies of mobilizing the Ethiopian Diaspora to provide support not just in health and education areas alone but also in other sectors of social and economic development. People To People, Inc. is headquartered in USA and operates in USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Ethiopia. If you would like to learn more about P2P please visit and become a member/volunteer. http://www.peoplepeople.org. You can also join P2P's email group to get connected with experts and volunteers viaPeople_to_People_ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.

EPHA signs agreement for construction of its own complex building

The Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) has signed a contract agreement with Giga Construction plc. for the construction of its complex building here in Addis Ababa.

Dr. Filimona Bisrat, President of EPHA and Ato  Gebrehiwot Girmay, General Manager of Giga Construction plc. signed the contract agreement on behalf of their respective organizations on the 3^rd of October 2014, at EPHA conference hall. 

On the occasion, Dr Hailegnaw Eshetie, Executive Director of EPHA, noted that EPHA went through a long journey in order to start the actual construction of this building. Now, he said, after many ups and downs EPHA is able to sign the agreement with Giga.

Ato Gebrehiwot on his part said that his company has over 18 years of experience in the construction sector and expressed the company’s commitment to construct and complete EPHA’s complex as per the required specification and standard. 

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Tewabech Bishaw, Secretary of EPHA’s Advisory Council, congratulated the Giga constriction plc. for being selected to construct such a historical building, which is expected to serve as a center of excellence for learning, training and research.

Dr. Tewabech added that the construction of the building is expected to immensely contribute to the efforts geared towards improving and upgrading the status of public health in Ethiopia and in Africa as well.

Dr Filimona finally thanked the Federal Ministry of Health, the MH Engineering Plc., the Resource Mobilization Committee as well as EPHA’s Advisory Council, Board members and the staff in general for their valuable and continued support for the construction of the building.

Estimated to cost 100 million Birr, EPHA’s building will be constructed on a total of 885 Sq. meter area.