Ethiopia's Health Minister urges African countries to build capacity for disease prevention

Speaking at the opening of the first Russian-African Sanitation and Emergency Rapid Response Team training seminar in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's Minister of Health Mekdes Daba emphasised the need to strengthen Africa's capacity to respond to public health emergencies. The three-day workshop brought together experts from 15 African countries, including Ethiopia. This is reported by  Fana Media Corporation, a partner of TV BRICS

African countries should build their capacity for disease prevention and control by investing in modern laboratory infrastructure and skilled medical personnel, the Minister has stressed.

As part of a collaborative effort to modernise Ethiopia's health system, a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory capable of diagnosing more than 300 diseases was handed over to the ministry.

Receiving the laboratory from Anna Popova, Head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor), Mekdes stressed the commitment of both countries to deepen partnership in various health-related areas.

The Minister said the mobile laboratory will play an important role in providing vital health services both in Ethiopia and neighbouring countries. “This facility will not only serve Ethiopia but also neighboring countries, enhancing regional health cooperation and epidemic readiness,” she stressed.

Mekdes also noted that Ethiopia currently has 33 laboratories, with plans to increase this number to 40, thereby strengthening the country's national and regional surveillance and response capabilities.

“Russian support is distinct from traditional aid; it transcends mere assistance and focuses on fostering lasting independence and resilience,” she underscored.