Ethiopia: Training on Marburg and Ebola Virus Testing is Initiated
With outbreaks of Ebola (Sudan ebolavirus) in Uganda and Marburg virus in Tanzania, The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), initiated a comprehensive training program focused on enhancing diagnostic capabilities for Marburg and Ebola viruses. This strategic initiative aims to bolster Ethiopia’s preparedness against viral hemorrhagic fevers.
The launching event was attended by Dr. Messay Hailu, Director General of EPHI, who emphasized the importance of strengthening laboratory capacity to combat emerging health threats effectively. In his opening remarks, Dr. Messay highlighted that this collaborative effort between EPHI and UKHSA underscores their commitment to global health security through enhanced detection and response mechanisms against infectious diseases like MVD and EVD.
Dr. Saro Abdella, Deputy Director General of EPHI, also emphasized that this training is not just about building capacity but also about fostering resilience within healthcare systems. She added that the training covers critical aspects such as specimen handling, biosafety protocols, and advanced diagnostic techniques for these high-risk pathogens. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by both organizations to enhance laboratory testing skills for healthcare professionals.
Ethiopia has not seen an filovirus outbreak or a single case in the past.