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Press Release from the Executive Board of the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA)

Move forward!

We believe that no one can talk about Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s contribution in public health than the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA).

We know Dr. Ghebreyesus as member of the EPHA, as a strategic partner, and as a public health professional indeed. Certainly, we are not mistaken then in 2003 by recognizing and awarding him EPHA annual Young Public Health Researcher Award.

We take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to his boundless efforts in making a dream has come true to creating a healthier Ethiopia, Africa and the World at large. The struggle throughout his way in promoting the outstanding public health service was difficult. The road he faced was not easy. And yet we can count enormous achievements that EPHA attained during his leadership era.

Among his contributions and relentless efforts for Public Health, shines the selection of Ethiopia to host the largest International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2011).

The conference assembled over 10,000 delegates from around the world who were working in the fields of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They include political leaders, scientists, the academia, donors, UN agencies, program managers, and civil society representatives. Former United States President, George W. Bush and former Botswana’s President Festus Mogae were among the high profile dignitaries in attendance.  His painstaking advocacy and mobilization of the various state and non-state actors both at home and aboard has assured all-inclusive and fruitful deliberations.

Dr Ghebreyesus made proud all who took part in organizing the conference by his acceptance of a trophy from the Society for AIDS in Africa in 2013 for his unparalleled contributions to the fight against HIV in the continent and beyond.

The 13th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH) is also another global event that Dr Ghebreyesus had left his leadership footprint where EPHA took the challenge of hosting prominent global and regional public health researchers, scholars and practitioners here in Addis Ababa in 2012. Over 3,000 delegates from around the globe attended the congress and deliberated on issues with current and future global public health importance and significance.

Dr Ghebreyesus played a pivotal role for the establishment of the African Federation of Public Health Associations (AFPHA). His move to Foreign Affairs Ministry however did not stop his engagement in advancing public health. But triggered to continuing his contributions at a higher level by facilitating AFPHA to secure its legal registration and opening its first ever headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

The Health Extension Program (HEP) and the Heath Development Army (HDA) concept were initiated and developed by Dr Ghebreyesus and now vastly expanding beyond the territory. He also spearheaded the reduction of under-five mortality and achievements of MDGs in Ethiopia. Reduction in the incidence of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases are attributable to his leadership. 

If words and time allow a lot can be said about his commitment and dedication to marching all mankind towards a healthier world by bringing together all stakeholders and ensuring no one is left behind.

EPHA is not only self-assured and supportive for the candidacy of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the Director-General position of the World Health Organization, but also confident that both developed and developing countries alike will get the right person and at the right time that could provide leadership at the highest level to address health issues of current and future importance and significance for our globe.

EPHA wants to say Move Forward Together for a Healthier World!

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