Ethiopia has officially launched the National Action Plan for Health Security (2024/25–2028/29) and the National One Health Strategic Plan (2025–2029) at a high-level ceremony held in Addis Ababa on October 1, 2025. The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from key sectors, development partners, and donors.
Opening the ceremony on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba underscored the importance of the launch, stating: “Today, we mark a milestone in our country’s journey to build a resilient and inclusive system that protects the health of every citizen.”
The Minster highlighted that Ethiopia’s initiatives are firmly anchored in the International Health Regulations (IHR), which provide the global framework for detecting, preventing, and responding to public health emergencies.
Dr.Mekdes further stressed that the implementation of these strategies extends far beyond the health sector alone: “They are national frameworks that require the active engagement of agriculture, environment, finance, education, and other sectors. Ministries and agencies have pledged their full participation in implementation, joint monitoring, and evaluation. Together, we will ensure accountability and shared learning across government.”
Dr. Efa Muleta, State Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, stating: “The health of animals and the environment defines human health. With this launch, Ethiopia affirms that health security is everyone’s responsibility.”
Dr. Efa described the plans as “living blueprints for action and accountability” and reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to institutionalizing the One Health approach. “These documents reflect our collective determination to safeguard the health of people, animals, and the environment on which we all depend,” he concluded.
Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), underscored both the national and global significance of the launch: “These strategic frameworks represent not only national achievements but also Ethiopia’s strong commitment to global health security and the principles of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).”
The Director General further noted that EPHI, in close collaboration with government sectors and development partners, is leading efforts to strengthen national health security capacity, particularly in implementing the IHR. “These efforts are critical for ensuring timely and effective responses to public health emergencies,” he added.
Amanda McClelland, Vice President of Resolve to Save Lives, praised Ethiopia’s leadership: “The past few years have shown us that health security is not optional. COVID-19, Mpox, and other outbreaks have illustrated how quickly threats can emerge and cross borders.”
The Vice President applauded Ethiopia’s progress in strengthening core technical capacities, including surveillance, laboratories, and rapid response. “This leadership not only benefits Ethiopia but enhances resilience across the region and contributes to a safer, healthier world,” she said.
Amanda reaffirmed her organization’s pride in partnering with EPHI and the Government of Ethiopia over the past five years: “When government ownership, dedicated leadership, and multisectoral collaboration come together, progress can be accelerated.”
Professor Francis Kasolo, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, emphasized the inclusive nature of the strategies: “These plans embody a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, aligning with WHO’s ‘Triple Billion’ targets: more people benefiting from universal health coverage, better protection from emergencies, and improved health outcomes.”
Professor Kasolo stressed that protecting health requires collaboration, coordination, and collective ownership from all sectors, including communities and partners.
Dr. Baye Ashenafi, representing the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), commended Ethiopia’s cross-sectoral collaboration: “The development of the NAPHS and One Health Strategy demonstrates strong leadership across all sectors. These plans will guide interventions and support the International Health Regulations.” Dr. Baye noted that the plans will be rolled out not only at the national level but also regionally, to strengthen public health capacity across the country.
Dr. Ebba Abate, Chief of Party at Project HOPE, echoed the importance of multisectoral cooperation: “Health security in Ethiopia is stronger when all sectors, all levels of government, and all partners move forward together.” Dr. Ebba praised the Government of Ethiopia for aligning with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), and for preparing this second multi-sectoral NAPHS alongside the One Health Strategic Plan: “These are clear signals of Ethiopia’s readiness to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats with greater speed, coordination, and resilience.”
Dr Feyesa Regassa Ethiopia IHR/OH office head also presented the overall sectorial achievements and challenges of NAPHS and OH activities .
The high-level advocacy event was attended by senior government officials, representatives from governmental and non-governmental sectors, and development partners. All partners reaffirmed their commitment to support the implementation of the second National Action Plan for Health Security, offering both technical and financial assistance.
