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Ethiopian Health Minister to chair Africa CDC Board

Ethiopian Health Minister to chair Africa CDC Board

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June 20, 2017

The new Minister of Health for Ethiopia, Professor Yifru Berhan Mitke, was appointed to chair the Governing Board of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The Governing Board ensures that the Africa CDC implements its strategic plan effectively and that disease surveillance, detection and timely response activities are integrated into the African Union’s continental development strategy: Agenda 2063. The Board examines all key Africa CDC decisions and proposals. The Board then submits its recommendations to Ministers of Health during the Specialised Technical Committee on Health, Population and Drug Control that takes place every two years.

Professor Yifru was born in North Shoa in 1972 and completed his junior and secondary education at Enewari High School in Ethiopia. He obtained a medical degree, with specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology, in 1997. He then served with great distinction at a remote health centre in Bule, Gedeo Zone where he provided leadership in improving access to health services. Professor Yifru served in the Hawassa University Senate (2005—2014) and served as Dean of Addis Ababa University College Health Sciences (2015-2016). He also taught as a lecturer at Dilla College of Teachers Education and Health Sciences in Ethiopia. He has several years of experience in fighting disease outbreaks, including when he served as the Head of Bule Woreda Health Office and was Medical Director of Dilla Hospital. Professor Yifru has published over 70 articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals. His term as the Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board runs from April 2017 until May 2018.