Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation vows continued support to health sector in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2023 (FBC) – State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, held a discussion with Dr. Christopher Elias, President of the International Development Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, who is leading the Ethiopian delegation in the 73rd World Health Organization’s regional committee Meeting in Gaborone, Botswana, held a discussion with Dr. Christopher Elias, President of the International Development Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In their discussion, Dr. Dereje explained to the President of the International Development Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation the outstanding results that Ethiopia has achieved in reducing maternal and child mortality and disease prevention and control over the past years.

Dr. Dereje pointed out that the role of partner organizations, including Milanda Gates, is significant in terms of increasing the benefit of society by making vaccination services and family planning accessible. He also requested that the support to be strengthened.

The State Minister stated that it is important to raise public awareness to prevent and control communicable diseases. In particular, he asked for comprehensive support to control epidemics such as cholera, malaria and other related issues In addition, Dr.

Dereje said that Melinda Gates Foundation’s support to prevent outbreaks such as cholera, measles, cervical cancer and polio that can be prevented by vaccination is encouraging. He stressed that the support should be strengthened in order to expand access to keep up-to-date.

Dr. Christopher Elias, President of the International Development Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on his part said that the work being done on the prevention and control of diseases, including infectious diseases, has yielded results by improving the health of mothers and children in Ethiopia.

He stated that they will continue to strengthen their support by increasing the supply of vaccines, the surveillance and control activities to control the epidemic, to increase public awareness and participation, and to achieve the goal of primary health care.