Haramaya University colorfully celebrated the “world tuberculosis (TB) day” under the theme of “Reach the missed cases and End TB deaths” on Wednesday March, 24   2016 at HU sport academy.

President of Haramaya University Prof. Chemeda Fininsa, on his opening speech said that as we commemorate World TB Day 2016, and we call for everyone to Unite to End TB, we must be honest to ourselves and realize that if we want to really end this disease which is now the biggest infectious killer disease globally, then we must ensure that all those vulnerable and at risk should be at the core of our work.

WHO-Country representative delegate, Dr. Mutale Mumba in his part said today we are here to commemorate world TB Day, with the theme of “Reach the missed cases and End TB deaths”. It is the call for accelerating to find those not fortunately to get TB diagnosis & treatment services. We have to move ahead to realize the vision to put an end the TB death by 2035.With this regarded WHO team has worked very closely with Federal Ministry of Health to combat TB, and they continue their support up to end.

He also indicates that WHO calls on governments, communities, civil society, and the private sector to “Unite to End TB”.

On the occasion, Athlete Derartu Tulu, volunteer Ambassador of TB campaign, in combating TB our contribution is vital so that let us unit and commit to fight the true fight she said.

The commemoration took the half day it was decorated by different sport competitions between Dire Dawa city & Harari Regional cabinet member’s, and also between Dire Dawa University and Haramaya University staffs. Finally the ceremony ended by awarding prizes for the winners in sport and other competitions.

Representative of Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Ameha Fantaye on his closing remark, said that the Ethiopian government has been mobilizing the public toward improving health services in the country besides implementing prevention-centered health policies and strategies to curb health-related Problems in the country.

Ethiopia is one country making progress in tackling TB and is committed to reaching the SDG target of ending TB by 2030 he added.

He has further indicated that currently, with the rigorous effort made by the government, local community and collaborative partners, new infection rate of this deadly disease has come down to low rate. In this regard, to reach the missed cases and End TB death we have the role to contribute our part in this nationally achievement immense.

More than 300 advocates, researchers, health professionals and other stakeholders from all over the country and abroad were attended the ceremony.

By Shemsedin Mohammed/Public & International Relation Directorate