Ethiopia’s Health Leaders Honor 20 Years of AFENET at FETP Conference
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AFENET
A powerful moment unfolded at the 4th Ethiopia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) National Conference as Ethiopia’s top health leaders came together to mark two decades of AFENET’s impact in Africa.
H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba Feyssa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health 
, opened the conference with a stirring keynote address. In her remarks, she underscored the vital contribution of FELTP in strengthening Ethiopia’s health system — from evidence-based surveillance and outbreak response to building a skilled health workforce. “The value of the Field Epidemiology Training Program lies not only in its technical excellence,” she said, “but in its deep connection with the community.”
Dr. Mekdes commemorated the milestone by posing with the symbolic AFENET@20 photo frame, a tribute to 20 years of collaboration, capacity building, and public health leadership across Africa. The moment reflected Ethiopia’s firm commitment to investing in people and systems that safeguard public health.
She was joined by other high-level leaders, each reaffirming the indispensable role of field epidemiologists in Ethiopia’s transformation:
Representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other partners also joined the celebration, echoing the conference theme: “Public Health in a Rapidly Changing World: The Role of the Field Epidemiology Workforce in Health Sector Transformation.”
Mr. Christopher Tanui, representing AFENET Director Dr. Simon Antara, applauded FELTP graduates for their unwavering service on the frontlines of public health threats and emergencies.
As the conference concluded, one message rang clear: Field epidemiologists are not just data collectors — they are system builders, community connectors, and guardians of health security.
