In the wake of the internal armed conflict that ravaged the regions of Northern Ethiopia from November 2020 to November 2022, health information infrastructure suffered severe disruptions, hampering the timely reporting of critical health data. Notably, reporting of notifiable diseases plummeted to as low as 15% during the peak of the conflict, while regular monthly reporting for the District Health Information System (DHIS) came to a standstill due to widespread information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure damage.

Recognizing the urgent need to address this setback, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Tigray Region Health Bureau, embarked on a concerted effort to restore and strengthen health information collation, management, and dissemination. Central to this endeavor was the prioritization of restoring ICT equipment as a critical step towards rebuilding and fortifying the health information system, thereby facilitating regular DHIS reporting and enhancing overall health service delivery.

The primary objective of the intervention was to equip 76 accessible Wereda (districts) health offices and 44 selected health facilities in the region with essential ICT equipment, including desktop computers, universal power storage units, extra-storage hard drives, and internet connectivity services. The overarching aim was to revitalize the health information system and reinstate regular DHIS reporting, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation in the healthcare sector. 

“We recognize that the restoration of health information systems is not just about rebuilding infrastructure, but about rebuilding trust, resilience, and hope for the future of healthcare delivery in Northern Ethiopia.” Dr Boniface Isindu, Ambani the Incident Manger for Northern Ethiopia Response said.

Through generous support from donors, including the European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), WHO spearheaded several interventions to achieve the stated objectives:

Procurement and delivery of 120 desktop computers and accessories to support the Tigray Health Bureau in restoring and strengthening health information systems at selected health facilities and district health offices.
Installation of necessary software and initiation of internet connectivity services to enhance health information collation, storage, and dissemination. Efforts to establish internet connectivity are ongoing, underscoring the commitment to ensuring seamless data exchange and communication.
Last-mile delivery of ICT equipment to beneficiary districts and health facilities, ensuring equitable access and effective utilization of resources across the region.

Through these concerted efforts, WHO, in partnership with key stakeholders, is paving the way for the restoration of health information systems in Northern Ethiopia. By bolstering technical infrastructure and facilitating data-driven decision-making, the initiative is poised to contribute significantly to the overall resilience and development of the region’s healthcare system, ultimately improving health outcomes for communities affected by conflict.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, said the two Presidents underscored the robust, longstanding and historical relations between Egypt and Serbia, expressing relief at the huge progress achieved in the two countries’ relations, following President El-Sisi’s visit to Serbia in July 2022. President El-Sisi and Serbia’s President Vučić emphasized the need to strengthen the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation across all domains. During their call, they also tackled the ongoing collaboration between the two countries within international fora and organizations, and ways to further advance coordination and consultations on issues of mutual interest.

The phone call also touched on a multitude of regional and international developments, primarily the situation in the Middle East. The two Presidents stressed the vital need to exert utmost efforts to reduce tensions and reinforce stability in the region. President El-Sisi reiterated the crucial importance of concerted international efforts to achieve an immediate and urgent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, provide unfettered access for humanitarian aid and relief to all parts of the sector and protect its inhabitants from starvation. The President warned against the ongoing military escalation and its expansion, which jeopardizes the security and stability of the entire region. President El-Sisi and Serbia’s President Vučić also tackled the latest developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its global repercussions. They agreed to continue joint consultations and coordination.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE Transitional President of the Republic of Chad Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.

The message was received by HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, during his meeting Wednesday with Director of the Civil Office at the Presidency of the Republic of Chad Idriss Youssouf Boy who is currently visiting the country.

The meeting discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, especially the developments in the African continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Wednesday with HE Third Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rukia Nakadama, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.