On May 5, 2025 — Ethiopian Patriots’ Day — REACH Ethiopia, in collaboration with Organic Health Care Services (OHCS) and the Afar Regional Health Bureau, hosted a high-level advocacy event aimed at putting tuberculosis (TB) at the forefront of the regional development and public health agenda.
In a symbolic act of leadership and solidarity, members of the Health and Social Affairs Standing Committee of the Afar Regional House of People’s Representatives visited one of the region’s Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB) treatment initiation centers. The delegation engaged directly with TB patients, healthcare providers, community members involved in TB outreach, and program leaders — from the head of the regional health bureau to facility-level managers. These powerful interactions gave decision-makers firsthand insight into the human and systemic challenges of TB.
A highlight of the event was the delivery of key messages by the leaders of the three partner organizations. Kitaw Teklemariam, an XDR-TB survivor, founder, and Executive Director of OHCS, shared his personal journey and underscored the importance of hope and resilience in the fight against TB. Dr. Tamiru Assefa, Executive Director of REACH Ethiopia, presented on the national and regional TB burden, emphasizing the need for coordinated and collaborative action. Mr. Yasin Habib, Head of the Afar Regional Health Bureau, spoke on regional-level efforts and how TB continues to impact socioeconomic development in Afar.
This was followed by a detailed briefing and presentation on the current TB situation in the region, with special focus on results achieved through the Expertise France-supported project in Zone 3. The session provided the high-level delegation with an in-depth understanding of both progress and remaining gaps in the TB response.
Under the powerful theme “People First, TB Last – Leadership Matters,” the event underscored the importance of sustained political commitment, enhanced resource mobilization, and strengthened community engagement. The event culminated in renewed pledges by regional leaders to close existing gaps in the TB program and invest in bold, people-centered solutions.
By aligning the TB advocacy effort with the spirit of Ethiopian Patriots’ Day, the event highlighted that just as patriots fought for freedom, today’s leaders and communities must unite to conquer TB. It was a clear call to action: with leadership, resilience, and collaboration, Ethiopia can end TB.
