ETHIOPIA— Key stakeholders have gathered in Ethiopia for a workshop to draft the country’s Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2024–2028, which is supported by the Pandemic Fund.
This initiative, led by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is an important step toward improving the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.
The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), a multi-year planning process owned by the country, supports the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health.
By taking a whole-of-government approach, the plan intends to address all threats to health security while adhering to international health regulations (IHR) guidelines.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of EPHI, emphasized the necessity of developing capacity for international health regulation across sectors in order to protect national health.
He emphasized EPHI’s commitment to providing leadership and assistance for the successful implementation of the strategy plan through stakeholder participation.
Dr. Feyissa Regassa, the International Health Regulation National Focal Point, discussed the evolution of NAPHS, noting successes and thanking partners and sectors for their contributions.
In his address, Dr. Woubishet Zewde of the Ministry of Agriculture underlined the importance of sectoral, partner, and stakeholder collaboration in ensuring the plan’s success.
WHO, together with other organizations, has played an important role in providing technical and financial support for the implementation of IHR in Ethiopia, including assistance from the pandemic fund.
Dr. Fekadu Adugna, WHO Country Preparedness & IHR (CPI) Officer, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with the government to improve the country’s health security.
The workshop, which included 80 participants from various government sectors, agencies, and partners, allowed for lively debates and partnerships.
The final versions of the strategic (2024-2028) and one-year operational (2024/25) NAPHS, funded by the pandemic fund, are expected to be officially launched.
Ethiopia’s Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan for Health Security, which includes support from the Pandemic Fund, shows a coordinated effort to strengthen health systems and limit the impact of public health catastrophes.
The country has an excellent chance to boost its resilience and response capacity in the face of health threats by prioritizing collaboration and alignment with national interests.
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