Association Backs Dr. Tedros Election As WHO Chief

By Girmachew Gashaw

The Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) has lauded Dr. Tedros Adhanom's contribution for the development of public health worldwide.

In a press release sent to The Ethiopian Herald Monday, Association President Fikreab Kebede said that Dr. Tedros has played significant role in the establishment of the African Federation of Public Health Association.

"We know Dr. Tedros as member of EPHA, as a strategic partner, and as a public health professional indeed. Certainly, we are not mistaken then in 2003 by recognizing and awarding him EPHA Annual Young Public Health Researcher Award."

"We take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation for his boundless efforts in making a dream has come true to creating a healthy Ethiopia, Africa and the World as a whole. The struggle throughout his way in promoting the outstanding public health service was difficult. The journey he came about was not smooth. And yet, we can count the enormous achievements EPHA attained during his leadership."

The selection of Ethiopia to host the largest International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2011) and the 13th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH) are among his contributions to development of public health.

According to President, Dr. Tedros shift to the Foreign Affairs Ministry has not impeded his engagement in advancing public health rather enhances his contributions at a higher level by facilitating African Federation of Public Health Association (AFPHA) to get legal registration and open headquarters in Addis.

The Health Extension Program (HEP) and the Health Development Army (HDA) concept were initiated and developed by Dr. Tedros and now vastly expanding beyond the territory. He also spearheaded the reduction of under-five mortality and achievements of MDGs in Ethiopia. Reduction in the incidence of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases are attributable to his leadership.

EPHA is not only self-assured and supportive for the candidacy of Dr Tedros Adhanom for the Director-General position of the World Health Organization, but also confident that both developed and developing countries alike will get the right person and at the right time that provides leadership at the highest level to address health issues of current and future importance and significance for the world.

Source: AllAfrica