ADDIS ABABA – March 15, 2024 (EPHI) - The newly appointed Minister of Health (MOH), H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, made a working visit to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) here yesterday.
H.E. Dr. Mekdes, who was accorded a warm welcome by the Director General of EPHI, Dr. Mesay Hailu, leadership team and employees of the Institute, made a tour of different directorates and centers of the Institute. Bacteriology, Food Science and Nutrition laboratory including High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) lab., Integrated Pathogen Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility for Surveillance and Research, Public Health Emergency Center (PHEMC) were among the laboratories and centers visited by the Minister of Health. Dr. Mekdes also had a chance to visit the new Biobank and Proficiency Panels Production center, which is under construction by MoH at a cost of 885 million birr at the premises of EPHI.
Following the visit, the Minister was briefed about the general activities of EPHI. Directorates of Food Science and Nutrition Research, PHEMC, Regional Laboratories Capacity Building, and National Data Management Center (NDMC) expounded about the activities of their respective directorates and centers. Issues on Public Health Research, Regional Laboratory Capacity Building, Public Health Emergency Management, and National Data Management were raised here.
Director of the FSNRD, Dr. Masresha Tessema gave an overview of the EPHI’s general activities. He touched on the background history and the progress the Institute has made since its establishment in 1921 by the renowned physician, Dr. Lambie. Dr. Masresha said that the support provided by the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health has contributed to the success of the EPHI. He mentioned the efforts the EPHI has made in controlling epidemics through the improvement of active case-finding, linkage to treatment, viral load testing, etc. Dr. Masresha has also raised the endeavors the EPHI has put forth to win the status of the regional center of excellence.
Director of NDMC, Dr. Asnake Worku also presented the activities of the National Data Management and Center, as well as the future vision of the Center. He underlined the importance of focusing on data-driven solutions. Dr. Gizaw Teka also briefed major achievements and challenges on the Public Health Emergency Management. Finally, Mr. Daniel Melese highlighted activities undertaken on the Regional Laboratory Capacity Building.
Following the presentation and briefings, Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba expressed her impression of the performances of the EPHI and shared her thoughts and gave directions. “There are a lot of things that need our collaborative efforts. I learnt that there are many things that we should accomplish together. We should work closely,” she said.
Regarding performances accomplished by the EPHI on data management, H.E. Dr. Mekdes said that the Institute should work on how to further enhance efforts in relating the Artificial Intelligence with the data management.
Director General, Dr. Mesay Hailu said that EPHI is exerting efforts to meet its objectives of serving the community. “We are working to achieve what has just been mentioned by the Minister,” he said. Appreciating the directives and feedback given by the Minister, Dr. Mesay said that the EPHI is endeavoring to achieve much more.
H.E.Dr. Mekdes Daba has been appointed as a new Minister of Health replacing the previous Minister, H.E.Dr. Lia Tadesse
Present on the occasion were Deputy Director General, Dr. Getachew Tollera, Dr. Melkamu Abte, Dr. Saro Abdela, Directors, team leaders and employees of the Institute. (EPHI)
