Ethiopia Strengthens Self-Reliance in Pandemic Detection, Response: Ministry

Ethiopia: Ethiopia is steadily advancing its capacity to independently detect and respond to pandemic diseases through comprehensive reforms in the health sector, according to State Minister of Health Dr. Dereje Duguma. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, Dr. Dereje said the country has implemented far-reaching policy reforms and modernization efforts aimed at strengthening both preventive and curative healthcare systems nationwide.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the reforms have significantly improved healthcare infrastructure, enhanced the clinical supply chain, and expanded access to quality medical services across the country. Dr. Dereje recounted the challenges experienced during the global COVID-19 pandemic, including shortages of diagnostic test kits, medical oxygen, and intensive care facilities, which served as a major turning point for Ethiopia's health sector development strategy.Dr. Dereje stated, "These experiences provided critical lessons and accelerated efforts to build a resilient and self-sufficient healthcare system capable of rapidly detecting and responding to disease outbreaks." Highlighting the progress achieved, he revealed that Ethiopia has expanded its medical oxygen production facilities from only three plants before the pandemic to 83 operational plants nationwide. Consequently, healthcare institutions across the country can now access life-saving oxygen supplies within a 50-kilometer radius.The number of hospitals equipped with intensive care units has also grown substantially, from fewer than 70 facilities to 198 hospitals across the nation. The state minister emphasized that these reforms have created a strong foundation for independent crisis management and emergency health response. As evidence of Ethiopia's growing institutional capacity, he pointed to the country's recent success in diagnosing and containing an outbreak of the Marburg virus disease using its own national expertise and systems.In addition, Ethiopia has established an extensive disease surveillance and monitoring framework designed to detect and curb recurring outbreaks, including malaria and other seasonal diseases. Dr. Dereje added that the Ministry of Health continues to invest in education, professional training, and rapid-response preparedness by deploying skilled healthcare professionals throughout the country and strengthening collaboration with local communities.With sustained reforms, expanded healthcare infrastructure, and improved emergency preparedness, Ethiopia is increasingly positioning itself to independently confront future public health challenges, he stated. He further noted that Ethiopia will continue to reinforce its endeavor in enhancing the resilience of its healthcare system.