Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is not only self-sufficient in animal vaccines but also earning foreign currency by exporting to 33 countries in the Middle East and Africa, according to the National Veterinary Institute (NVI). NVI Vaccine Sales and Customer Service Team Leader, Debebe Shimekit told ENA that the institute has been producing animal vaccines and supplying them to both domestic and foreign markets since its establishment in 1964. Today, it is one of the most well-known veterinary vaccine producing institutions in Africa with its multidisciplinary professional staff having long years of experience, he added. The team leader pointed out that the institute has been playing a crucial role in safeguarding the health of livestock, which serve as a universal source of income for Ethiopian pastoralists and farmers. According to him, the institute is focused on producing and marketing drugs to prevent diseases caused by bacteria and viruses in animals. The National Veterinary Institute (NVI) produces and suppl ies 23 types of vaccines for domestic animals, including chickens, camels, dogs, and cattle, among others. Debebe disclosed that the institute has exported 41.5 million doses of animal vaccines and supplied 292 million doses domestically in the past 11 months alone. Ethiopia has not imported animal vaccination drugs for several years, effectively reducing foreign exchange expenditures, the team leader stated. The NVI exports vaccines to countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman as well as Chad, South Sudan and other African nations with large livestock populations, it was learned. Debebe further revealed that Ethiopia is the first country in Africa to establish an institution capable of producing essential medicines for animal vaccination. The 60-year institute has the capacity to produce 350 million doses of vaccines annually. The NVI actively engages in identifying livestock disease problems and seeks solutions through the development and promotion of research products. This approach aims to allevi ate livestock diseases while safeguarding animal welfare and the environment. Typically, the institute collaborates closely with national veterinary service delivery institutions as a stakeholder in the field. It also partners with national and international institutes on various activities such as vaccine development and enhancement, vaccine production, pathogen identification and characterization, and technology transfer related to these areas. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Day: June 25, 2024
Building on Gains in Agriculture, Focus Shifts to Getting Rid of Aid Dependency
Addis Ababa: Agriculture Minister Girma Amente stated that by continuing the success registered in the agricultural sector, emphasis is being placed on getting rid of aid dependency. Ethiopia has abundant resources across all its corners and various sectors, he noted. "Our inability to translate these blessings into tangible development has, however, kept us from progress and be dependent on aid," the minster noted. According to him, we have to develop the blessings we have and move from efficiency to productivity. Girma explained that the ongoing national reform prioritizes various works, especially in agriculture sector, with the view to positioning Ethiopia as a symbol of prosperity. In this regard, many gains have been registered in the sector, laying the foundation for tackling dependence in agriculture. The minister further stated that the initiatives implemented in recent years have demonstrated that Ethiopia can ensure its food sovereignty with its potential natural resources and other capabilit ies. He emphasized the potential for Ethiopia's abundant resources to drive the nation from poverty to productivity, and stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal. Efforts to increase productivity across all sectors, aiming to eliminate dependency and achieve national goals have been intensified, according to Girma. The minister concluded by calling for a shift in mindset, emphasizing that ensuring food security at the family level and ending dependency are the hallmarks of true patriotism in these times. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Ethiopian Hailed as One of Best Airlines in World
Addis Ababa: Currency Exchange Fund (TCX) Senior Vice President, Isabelle Lessedjina, has commended Ethiopian Airlines as one of the premier airlines in the world. The senior vice president, who frequently travels with Ethiopian Airlines, told the Ethiopian News Agency that Ethiopian Airlines provides the best connectivity within Africa and for the rest of the world. The senior leader in the TCX that is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, said that she consistently chooses Ethiopian Airlines for her travels. She praised the airline for its exceptional service, extensive connectivity, and commitment to excellence, highlighting it as a standout example in the aviation industry. "It is always a pleasure to see a company that represents the epitome of best practices and demonstrates what Africa can achieve when it excels," the senior vice president added. According to her, the airline is one of the best in the world and it is clearly not just an African champion but a global one. ''We hope that there will be a nother champion in sectors like Ethiopian Airlines that can showcase the greatness of our continent," she said. Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa's largest airline, has recently won the Best Entertainment in Africa Award and Best Wi-Fi in Africa for another consecutive year at the APEX Passenger Choice Awards 2024. The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) prestigious regional awards are voted by millions of global passengers to honor airlines from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East for exceptional passenger experiences in Cabin Service, Entertainment, Food and Beverage, Seat Comfort, and Wi-Fi. Ethiopian Airlines has previously received numerous prestigious industry awards from Business Traveler Awards to APEX and to SKYTRAX, the latter for six years in a row, it was learned. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivaled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion's sh are of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Deputy PM and Nat’l Council on Migration Chairperson Calls for Collaboration to Fight Irregular Migration
Addis Ababa: Strengthening the coordination of efforts to prevent illegal immigration and human trafficking, which are threats to the security of nations and citizens, is essential, Deputy PM and Nat'l Council on Migration Chairperson Temesgen Tiruneh said. The National Council on Migration chaired by the deputy prime minister has conducted its annual consultative forum today. Opening the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and National Council on Migration Chairperson Temesgen Tiruneh called for strengthened collaboration to tackle irregular migration and human trafficking. Acknowledging movement of people from one place to another as a natural and constitutional right, Temesgen expressed concern about the rise of human trafficking. According to him, Ethiopia is under significant pressure concerning the issue of migration due to its unique position as an origin, transit and destination of migrants. The deputy PM and national council chairperson revealed that Ethiopia is providing protection for more than 1 mil lion migrants and asylum seekers. Yet, he expressed concern about Ethiopian migrants facing problems in other countries. He mentioned that Ethiopian migrants are becoming victims of human trafficking and illegal border-crossing by organized criminals. Noting the threat the criminal groups posed to human and national security, Temesgen noted Ethiopia is also at the receiving end of these threats. The acts of human trafficking and smuggling are causing physical and psychological harm on Ethiopian migrants, he explained. Temesgen revealed the staggering profits traffickers reap, generating billions annually from this illegal acts. Therefore, he urged for a multi-pronged approach and cooperative effort of all concerned actors to protect the human rights of migrants and safeguard the national security of the country. The deputy premier and chairperson of the national council also emphasized the need to address underlying root causes, including socio-economic and political issues, which are driving irregular migration. He stated that Ethiopia has approved international agreements and enacted national laws to establish better migration management. Moreover, the country is implementing national laws to prevent and suppress human trafficking and illegal border crossings, he added. Furthermore, he recalled the establishment of a National Council on Migration, a collaborative body composed of regions and federal institutions, to ensure a coordinated approach to migration management. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
National Workshop on Tackling Impact of Pollution Underway
Addis Ababa: A two-day national workshop aimed at finding ways to tackling environmental pollution opened in Addis Ababa today. The workshop, organized by the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority in collaboration with stakeholders, will discuss on the challenges of pollution associated with plastics, water and air. The workshop is part of the National Pollution Reduction Campaign launched last April with a view to intensify national efforts to reduce pollution and create a healthy environment. In her opening remark, Deputy Director General of the Authority Frenesh Mekuria said the meeting aims to discuss on the ways of tackling environmental pollution. According to her, the participants are expected to provide ideas that will be utilized in designing policies and legal frameworks aimed at tackling impacts of pollution. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Bahir Dar Peace Conference Participants Pledge to Resolve Issuses Peacefully
Addis Ababa: Participants of the Bahir Dar Peace Conference in Amhara region have pledged to do their fair share in resolving every issue in a peaceful manner. A regional peace conference which brought together various members of society from all areas of the Amhara region was held in Bahir Dar city from 24th to 25th 2024. The conference concluded by issuing a ten-point joint declaration. In the joint declaration, the participants have called on armed groups to submit their demands through peaceful manner, discussion and negotiation, and reintegrate with the society peacefully. The declaration also noted that the problem in the region inflicted significant political, economic and social mayhem that harmed the society. According to the declaration, serious efforts need to be exerted to still strengthen the peace and stability created in all parts of the region and to enable the inhabitants lead peaceful and stable life and return to sustainable development. Moreover, the participants have expressed their great respect, in the name of the Amhara people, for the sacrifices paid by the heroic Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) to restore peace in the region. The conference participants also stated that they continue to see the government's determination to address the demands of the people and persistently reinforce the quest in a peaceful way. Since development issues cannot be addressed without a peaceful approach, the participants have agreed to contribute their share to resolve every issue in the region in a peaceful manner. In addition, they have called on media organizations and professionals as well as activists to contribute their fair share in bringing about peace to the people and allow the inhabitants of the region to live in harmony with fellow brothers and sisters in the country. They also urged members of government leadership, political parties, scholars, artists, and the Ethiopian Diaspora to support the peace efforts in the region. Furthermore, the participants called on armed brothers and sisters to declare that killings are enough and come up with their demands through dialogue and negotiation and to reintegrate with the society. They further urged the local administrations to do their part to make the peace efforts successful by welcoming their armed brothers with discipline and Ethiopian courtesy, realizing that they are brothers. Moreover, the participants stressed the need for freeing the suspects who have been under arrest in connection with the problem and enable them to play their part in the lasting peace being built in the region, asking the government to release them with pardon and amnesty to fulfill their roles. They have also requested the government to ensure that the Pretoria peace agreement is fully implemented, and stop those who disrupt its implementation from their acts. At the conclusion of the conference, House of Federation Speaker Agegnehu Teshager and Amhara Region Chief Administrator Arega Kebede were present. Source: Ethiopian News Agency