Dermatology, Venereology Among Top Priorities in Ethiopia’s Health System: Minister

Ethiopia: Ethiopia's Health Minister, Mekdes Daba, said dermatology and venereology are among the top priorities in the country's health system.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the 5th African Society of Dermatology and Venereology Congress (ASDV) is underway in Addis Abeba from April 24 to 25. The congress has drawn professionals from more than 30 countries, along with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and aims to explore ways of strengthening collaboration in the field and exchanging professional experience.In her opening remarks at the conference, Ethiopia's Health Minister Mekdes Daba noted that the country's health sector is undergoing a deep and deliberate transformation, focusing on strengthening primary health care and expanding access to specialized services. She emphasized the importance of connecting primary health care to specialized and high-level care in dermatology and venereology. The minister highlighted the significant increase in the number of dermatologists and venere ology specialists over the years, although acknowledging the persisting gaps.The country's efforts are geared towards investing and collaborating with global partners, particularly emphasizing South-to-South cooperation with universities and institutions across the continent. Mekdes Daba also mentioned Ethiopia's progress in digital health, with digitalization and artificial intelligence being increasingly integrated into diagnostics.She pointed out that dermatology is closely linked with the infectious diseases Ethiopia is combating, shifting from a prevention-focused approach to incorporating both prevention and treatment in policy. Digital tools, including telemedicine and decision-support systems, are creating new opportunities for health professionals, enabling them to better support specialists through improved referral and linkage systems.Moez Ben Salem, President of ASDV, remarked on the association's establishment a decade ago, aiming to unite and foster collaboration among dermatologists acros s Africa. He stated that the conference, attended by dermatologists from Ethiopia and other regions, provides a platform for specialists to exchange scientific experiences.The conference program features both classic dermatology topics and the latest developments in the field, highlighting their growing importance in medical congresses. The congress is expected to play a crucial role in creating a platform for countries to collaborate in expertise exchange, knowledge sharing, and more.