High Level Advocacy Mission to Gambella Region calls for stronger commitment towards Guinea Worm Eradication in Ethiopia
Gambella, 16-17 June 2013 -- A high level delegation led by H.E. Dr Kesetebirhan Admassu, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health with the participation of WHO ( Dr Lorenzo Savioli, Director Department Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases Headquarters, Dr Gautam Biswas - WHO Headquarters , Dr Alhousseini Maiga - WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Abebayehu Assefa - WHO Country Office), Dr Julie Jacobson - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Zerihun Tadesse - Carter Center, met H.E. Mr. Gatluak Tut Koat President of Gambella Regional State, to discuss the need for increased level of commitment and a strengthened health system to tackle the remaining challenges towards the eradication of Guinea Worm Disease.
The discussion highlighted the lessons learnt from past experiences including possible sources of disease transmission, issues and challenges related to Guinea Worm eradication, level of political commitment, technical and financial support. The President of the Region expressed the determination of his Government to own and provide the needed support to strengthen eradication activities and oversee implementation progress.
The delegation met with community members of two districts (Abobo and Gog) to discuss several issues related to Guinea Worm eradication and then visited the Guinea Worm Containment Center in Gog District. The visit gave the opportunity to appreciate the eradication efforts being made, understand the challenges and the perception of people towards the fight against the Guinea Worm eradication.
In Gambella Region, 6 new Guinea Worm cases have been reported since 2013, the Minister of Health urged the Regional Government to take Guinea Worm Eradication as a political priority. Ethiopia is one of the four countries in the world, including Chad, Mali, and South Sudan, where Guinea Worm clinches in its last frontiers.
