“Controlling Alcohol, Tobacco and Substance Abuse would contribute a lot in addressing the socio-economic crises specially in reducing HIV and AIDS,” said health state minister Dr Kebede Worku (1 November 2011)

Annual conference of the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) at the United Nations Conference Center, the health state minister Dr Kebede Worku stated that controlling Alcohol, Tobacco and Substance Abuse will contribute a lot in the fight against the socio-economic crises specifically HIV and AIDS.

“Alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse have contributed a great share in the expansion of non-communicable diseases.”

The State Minister did say certain successes have been achieved in meeting the MDGs particularly goal 4 in reducing child mortality dramatically: under five and under one year has been dwindled by 28.5 percent and 23.4 percent respectively.

He said the family planning coverage has reached 29 percent from 14.7 percent and the fertility rate decreased from 5.4 to 4.8 percent.The state Minister said utmost effort should be done to address maternal mortality rate as well.

Dr.Kebede said the fourth Health Sector Development Program aspires to expand basic health services at the same ensuring quality throughout the country as much as possible.

For that to be realized, the role of committed and capable health professionals will be of paramount importance. For achieving the aspiration of the program, mobilizing the public for the goals is indispensable.