24 September 2012, 11:40 A.M.

Visitor: Mrs. Guenet Guebre-Selassie, Program Director, Canadian International Immunization Initiative, and Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) met Dr. Khaled Bessaoud, Acting WHO Representative (WR) to Ethiopia at the WCO.

Present at the debriefing meeting were: Dr. Fiona Braka, Dr. Gavin Grant, and Dr. Kassahun Mitiku from WCO EPI Sub-Unit

The objective of the meeting was to brief and debrief on the outcome Mrs. Guenet visit to Ethiopia, from 17-25 September 2012, with the WR and for consultation with the WHO-EPI sub-unit. The discussion focused on the role of Stop Transmission of Polio Program (STOP) teams in Ethiopia, and evaluating the STOP team member supported by CPHA.

Ms. Guenet reported that her five day field visit gave her the opportunity to witness the health system. She noted that the STOP team member was doing well, and had adjusted to the local situation. “There was a good working relationship between the WHO officers and the Regional Health Bureau, and the STOP team was able to work well with the people in the field, who were receptive to capacity building activities”, She said.

Outcome of the meeting: On Ms. Guenet's briefing it was noted that CPHA is working to extend its funding to support STOP teams and Polio Eradication efforts in the future. The WR offered to support this effort, through letters of support or in any other way CPHA would request for support.
_________________________________________________________________

19 September 2012, 11:40 A.M.

Visitor: Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, TB/HIV and community engagement, coordinator, Geneva, met Dr. Khaled Bessaoud, Acting WHO Representative (WR) to Ethiopia at the WCO.

Present during the briefing meeting were: Mr. Thomas Joseph, Team Leader from TB Community Engagement, WHO/HQ and Dr. Abera Bekele NPO/TUB, WHO Ethiopia.

The objective of the meeting was to brief about the progress of the pilot project on the engagement of NGOs and CSOs in TB prevention activities which is being implemented in five African Countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and DRC). Dr. Haileyesus explained the role WHO plays in fostering partnership between the government and CSO and NGOs and engage them on the community based tuberculosis prevention activities. WR ai on his part welcomed the team and advised the team about arrangements of future missions to the Country Office and emphasized the need for integration in order to optimize effectiveness.

Outcome of the meeting: The need to document and share the findings of the pilot project and the partnership experience with NGOs was well recognized. During the discussion, Dr. Khaled underscored the importance of engaging African Union (AU) in the dissemination of findings. He promised also take the opportunity of the next RPM meeting in Luanda to discuss with WRs of the other five African countries who are implementing this project the need to widely disseminate findings.
_________________________________________________________________

18 September 2012, 02:30 P.M.

Visitor: Ms. Johanneke van Vliet, Medical Supply Manager, Médecins Sans Frontières OCA, Ethiopia Mission met Dr. Khaled Bessaoud, Acting WHO Representative (WR) to Ethiopia at the WCO.

Present at the occasion were: Mr. Abraham Gebregiorgis, Senior Policy Advisor; Dr. Kebba, O Jaiteh, Technical specialist, PHE, WHO Ethiopia.

The objective of the meeting was to follow-up on the outcomes of the WHO’s efforts in collaboration with Food, Medicine, Health Care Administration Authority (FMHACA), in solving the problems encountered by some NGOs engaged in the importation of Medicines and nutrition supplies for their emergency and humanitarian programmes.

Ms. Vliet had met Dr. Khaled during HINGO briefing for the Technical Working Group WHO initiated to form with FMHACA and several other stakeholders.

Outcome of the meeting: Both parties agreed on the need for the development of a project proposal for strengthening organizational capacity of FMHACA to enable it effectively and efficiently address issues related to food and medicines regulation in general and importation of Medicines and nutritional supplies for Emergency and humanitarian purposes in particular.
_________________________________________________________________

18 September 2012, 04:00 P.M.

Visitor: Dr. Ramesh Krishnamurthy, Focal Point, eHealth Standards and Interoperability met Dr. Khaled Bessaoud, Acting WHO Representative (WR) to Ethiopia at the WCO.

Present in the briefing meeting were: Mr. Getachew Sahlu

The objective of the meeting was to brief on WHO ‘s participation in the eHealth workshop organized by FMOH, and prospects for organizing an inter-agency regional conference on eHealth Data Standards and Interoperability.

Follow up actions: It is expected that there would a debriefing at the end of the workshop, with a concept note to be developed on the proposed Inter-Agency Conference for further consideration by the WR, a.i.