Addis Ababa:Ethiopia is hosting the 7th World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting, marking the first time the global gathering has taken place in the WHO African Region. The meeting, held from November 3 to 5, brings together health officials, emergency medical team representatives, and international partners to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration, and advance global emergency medical response capacities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Dr. Melkamu Abte, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting Ethiopia's efforts in strengthening its emergency medical team through sustained investment in national capacities, institutional systems, and human resources. Ethiopian medical teams have been instrumental in responding to major disease outbreaks and other emergencies, including the Marburg virus.
Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, commended Ethiopia's progress and noted that Senegal was the first African country to receive WHO classification for its national emergency medical team, followed by Ethiopia. Dr. Janabi emphasized the importance of strengthening national emergency response capacities, as the African Region faces over 100 significant public health events annually. He urged African governments to fund national plans and enhance regional cooperation.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a video message, underscored the significance of the meeting in boosting national capacities and expediting progress in emergency preparedness. He highlighted that 77 emergency medical teams from 42 countries have achieved international classification, including Ethiopia's team, the first civilian team in the WHO African Region to do so. Dr. Tedros stressed the need for investments in building a skilled and well-prepared health workforce to create resilient communities.
