Speaking to the press at the launch of the second round national COVID 19 vaccination campaign, Minister of Health Dr.Lia Tadesse said the pandemic has led to widespread social, economic, and psychological crises, and continues to be a major source of national concern and burden to the health delivery system.   

Various types of COVID 19 vaccinations with proven efficacy are being provided in Ethiopia, Dr.Lia said adding that more than 10 million Ethiopians have been vaccinated so far, out of which 4 million are fully vaccinated. 

The Government of Israel has donated medical equipment and supplies valued at about USD 30,000 in support of Ethiopia’s effort in the prevention and treatment of COVID 19. Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Aleligne Admassu handed over the donation to Minister of Health Dr.Liya Tadesse at a ceremony held on 14 Feb.2022. 

Ethiopia has received COVID-19 vaccine support from European Union. 

Six EU countries have contributed for this support: France (6746,400), Finland (1699200), Denmark (1560000), Greece (1346400), Italy (1264110), Sweden (480690), and a total of 13,096,800 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. 

The handover ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of the countries, embassy representatives and UNICEF officials where they discussed with the Minister of Health, Dr Lia Tadesse.

 During the handover ceremony, the Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, said that Ethiopian nation defense force is making a significant contribution to the survival of the country and commended the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for their support to the country. she said the support includes 5 million birr and more than 200,000  birr worth of sheets, pajamas and sandals.

State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, handed over houses built for six low-income households in Aleta Wondo town through the Kiremt Welfare Service. He recalled that the Ministry of Health has been involved in planting trees and assisting the weak through the Kiremt Welfare Service and added that exemplary work has also been done in Aleta Wondo town. He said, the houses are equipped with basic necessities and that the support will be continued.

A workshop was held on the 3-year project to alleviate the shortage of manpower and create employment opportunities for graduate doctors. 

Habtamu Demissie, Director of Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Health, said the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partner organizations and regional health bureaus, is working on a project to recruit new doctors. He said a budget has been finalized to employ 2,898 doctors who have graduated since 2011 but haven’t been employed.

The third anniversary of worlds’ tropical disease day had been hosted by the Sidama Regional State. On the occasion State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma said that diseases such as elephantiasis, pneumonia, lymphadenopathy, hydrocephalus, leukemia, and other diseases have been neglected for a long time, causing physical, psychological, social and economic harm to citizens. He called on all stakeholders in the health sector to pay due attention and work together to improve the quality of health care everywhere.

Mehal Meda Hospital, which was disrupted by the terrorist group, has started providing medical services with the support of Menelik II Hospital and the local community, said Workneh Zewde, General Manager of the hospital.

He said the hospital is providing service for an average of 150 to 200 patients a day and additional support is required to fully restore the hospital. 

Healthy Mother's Day has been celebrated in Dessie. During the ceremony, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, donated over 21 million birr worth of medical supplies, medicines, two ambulances and cash to support maternal and child health.

State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, said during the handover that the invading forces had destroyed our institutions but will never break our strong spirit and unity. He said that we will build our institutions together and build them more than ever before.

Residents expressed their happiness to receive services from Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, which due to the war, has not been providing medical services for a long period of time.

According to Mrs. Meremo Muhe and Mr. Abebe Abraham, whom we met getting service at the hospital, they were pleased to see the hospital doors open and the white gown wearing staffs caring for patients with smiles.