The National TB Research Annual conference (TRAC) has successfully conducted from March 21-24 2016, with the theme of ‘`Transforming TB response through Research and innovation “at Dire Dawa University.

 The conference was officially opened by the message from H.E Ato Ibrahim Usman, Dire Dawa Administration Mayor.  Key note addresses were made by different stake holder’s delegates, and all of them emphasize that Tb is not more health problem; it should come to the forefront of the country’s development. The policy and intervention program should be supported by researches and innovation.

It was also mentioned that research and innovation must discover and scale up the intervention of TB. Operational researches are especially very important to improve the current strategies. The evidence generates from operational research must be used to improve and inform health planners and policy makers and the conference should work to reduce Tb new infection and Tb related death. And the country must commit to end Tb by 2035 by mobilizing resources. All the stakeholders mentioned above are committed to support and galvanize their support; and continue their motivation to all who engaged in Tb intervention.

Ramona M EL Hamzaoui, USAID/Ethiopia Deputy Mission Director, pointed out that FDRE MOH has made success, despite existed challenges. She claimed that as a result of coordinated effort, Ethiopia has reduced the burden of TB, thus, USAID will continue to support the government.

Dr. Christian Lienhardt, WHO-GTB, made guest lecture on Global action framework for TB research, Guidance and country adaptation; he expressed his pleasure being here in DD. His presentation covers about burden of TB; in the year of 2014, 9.6 Million new TB cases were reported in the world. Of this 0.5 million was MDR-TB; he stated that most TB cases are in Asia and Africa.

According to his presentation, The End TB: Vision, Mission, Targets and Milestones: and outlined three pillars to address the goal: Integrating patients care and prevention, Supporting system (we cannot deal TB separately, rather with other health problems) universal coverage and fundamental research to operational research (developing innovative strategies).

Haramaya University, president, Prof Chemeda Fininsa, said that Haramaya University has been working in different activities of the community, particularly College of health and Medical Sciences has engaged in training of undergraduate and post graduate programs in health fields and conduct research in TB. The president urged the participants to work hand-in-glove to reduce TB burden and make the environment more conducive.

FDRE State Minister of Health, Dr.Kebede Worku, indicated that we need to strive to transform TB intervention through research and innovations. Those research papers that are going to be presented should advise the Sectors. Among 30 top TB Countries, Ethiopia is one of them. 2035 TB frees Ethiopia. Research is one of the priority areas in TB prevention and control programs.  HE added that 1990 Vs 2015 TB morbidity and mortality reduced by 63%. In 2015, 134,000 new infections were identified and get treatment. To reduce TB highly from 2006-2013 E.C. TB intervention strategy was developed at national level.He thanked all partners who collaborate and support the FMOH in combating of TB.

Dr. Kebede, Finally urged that we need to focus on those strategies which will result a lot with little resources/efficient strategies.

A Facilitated Panel Discussion on Country Adaptation of The End TB Strategy was conducted and various scientific papers have been presented and fruitful discussions were held both on plenary and parallel sessions.

The conference is organized by Federal Ministry of Health, Dire Dawa Administration Health Bureau, Dire Dawa University and Haramaya University. It also brought together more than 300 advocates, researchers, health professionals and other stakeholders from all over the country and abroad.

By Shemsedin Mohammed/Public & International Relation Directorate