The Chinese Volunteer Health Professionals Induction Program was held at the Addis Ababa Silkroad Hospital.

President Taye Atsekeslassie, who officially opened the Chinese Volunteer Health Professionals Induction Program, said that the friendship between Ethiopia and China is fruitful and historic.

President Taye added that the arrival of Chinese volunteer medical professionals to Ethiopia for volunteer service is a sign of the strong friendship between the two countries.

A delegation led by Professor Mohamed Yacoub Janabi, who was recently appointed as the WHO Regional Director for Africa, held discussions with the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, on regional and national health sector cooperation and implementation.

The program, which is being implemented with the support of the Korean government and implemented by UNICEF, will improve access to water for more than 165,000 people in addition to improving health services and will bring tangible changes. The program will benefit more than 365,000 citizens living in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Oromia, South West and Tigray regions.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said that volunteering should be implemented beyond the winter season in other seasons during a discussion with Rotary Ethiopia delegates.

Dr. Mekdes thanked Rotary Ethiopia for its contribution to the health sector; they discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, with a special focus on investment in the health sector in Ethiopia. Dr. Mekdes highlighted the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic; she explained that investment in the health sector is a priority for the government.

Ambassador Kosek affirmed the Czech Republic’s willingness to support Ethiopia’s health goals through public-private partnerships. The Ambassador suggested that they would bring Czech investors to Ethiopia next year to explore opportunities in the sector.

During the visit, both ministers met with hospital staff, toured the hospital’s facilities, and spoke to patients. They observed the life-changing health services and care the hospital is providing to women suffering from  fistula.

Dr. Mekdes Daba said the hospital is a model of compassion and medical excellence. She added that Hamlin Fistula Hospital has restored health and dignity to thousands of Ethiopian women.

This Ethiopian Standard has been formulated under the guidance of the Technical Committee for Medical Science & Health care practices (TC 90) and published by the Institute of Ethiopian Standards (IES).