Addis Ababa:Ethiopia's National Emergency Medical Team is now extending its support to other countries during disasters and disease outbreaks, showcasing the nation's expanding emergency response capabilities, as stated by Dr. Melkamu Abte, Deputy Director-General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the team has been actively involved in international disaster response operations, with notable participation in the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye. Dr. Melkamu, speaking at the 7th World Health Organization (WHO) Global Meeting of Emergency Medical Teams in Addis Ababa, highlighted that the team has achieved international certification after fulfilling rigorous WHO standards.
Dr. Melkamu emphasized that the team's effectiveness is demonstrated through its reliable and timely responses to emergencies and outbreaks, both within Ethiopia and internationally. This success is attributed to significant advancements in operational systems, human resources, and logistics, transforming the team from a small committee into a well-organized institution.
Additionally, Dr. Melkamu noted that Ethiopia has bolstered its epidemic preparedness and surveillance systems, especially at border crossings and Bole International Airport. He stressed that continuous monitoring is now in place to detect potential health threats, enabling the country to identify and respond to outbreaks early using its own operational resources.
