This week, the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Mission Director Scott Hocklander handed over ten vehicles to Firehiwot Abebe, State Minister of Health of Ethiopia, to support the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and other medicines.
The ceremony took place at the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Service (EPSS) central warehouse, where Mr. Hocklander joined staff from the Ministry of Health and their partners. “The Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Services ensures the availability of medicine and medical devices for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, family planning, maternal child health, as well as vaccines for COVID-19 and other preventable illnesses,” according to the press statement from the USAID Ethiopia.
“USAID also supports the organization’s forecast of future medicine needs. Accurate forecasts ensure the timely delivery and sustained supply of treatments for HIV, malaria, family planning, and maternal child health, including COVID-19 vaccines – ultimately saving countless lives,” it said.
The ten vehicles donated today enable an expanded network of distribution for medicine and other lifesaving commodities for health facilities. At the ceremony, USAID Mission Director Scott Hocklander said, “I would like to reiterate our recognition and appreciation of the commitment by the Ethiopia Pharmaceuticals Supply Services to improve the supply of quality medicines. These efforts will save lives, help us control future pandemics and improve the health of Ethiopians across the country.”
It is stated that the United States Government is a longstanding partner in supporting the healthcare and wellbeing of the people of Ethiopia. Over the last 5 years, the United States has invested nearly $1 billion in projects to promote the health and wellness of Ethiopians in every region, including partnering with the Ministry of Health to end malaria once and for all.