29 November 2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Plans are on high gear for an international scientific conference on health to be held from 3 to 6 December 2014 in Addis Ababa. The first of its kind conference is expected to bring over 300 participants drawn from IGAD Member States and abroad including policy and decision makers from governments, development organizations, the civil society and the private sector, as well as researchers and practitioners in the health sector.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will host the four-day conference through the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference will review the existing policies and practices to ensure innovative approaches for equitable access to health services among pastoralist communities and cross border mobile populations.
Based on three tracks, the African Federation of Public Health Associations (AFPHA) through a scientific committee has selected paper abstracts on field research findings and practical experiences that will be presented at the conference.
According to the Minister for Health, Dr. Kesete - Birhan Admasu, the conference will provide an opportunity for member states, academic institutions, the civil society and development partners to share knowledge and best practices on health among pastoralists and cross border mobile populations.
“We have to improve health facilities in these far off areas and make them more accessible,” reiterates the Minister, adding that these remote communities are the most vulnerable.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Tewodros Adhanom feels the conference is very timely as it comes when the continent in particular and the world as a whole is faced with an epidemic of unprecedented magnitude in form of the Ebola outbreak.
“This will therefore be an appropriate platform to assess our capacities and capabilities to address various health challenges,” he points out, stressing the need for regional and international cooperation.
Amb. Mahboub Maalim, the IGAD Executive Secretary, states that the conference will also be used to map out new directions and policy orientations for accelerated and sustainable delivery of health services, as well as enhanced cooperation with a wide range of partners.
“To overcome the challenges and build on gains made so far, the member states are expected to established stronger networks and partnerships with all the stakeholders for scaling up the regional cross border health and social intervention programs,” declares Amb. Mahboub, urging development partners to continue supporting programs of national governments and regional organizations. ##
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Brazille Musumba | Communications and Media Advisor | IGAD Secretariat |
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel: +251.921.385.441
Ms. Berhan Taye | Media Centre Manager | 1st IGAD International Scientific Conference on Health|
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel: +251.935.323.552