ADDIS ABABA — In a significant boost to Ethiopia’s health sector, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has contributed 3 million USD worth of Tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic machines to the country. The donation was formally handed over by USAID Mission Director in Ethiopia, Scott Hocklander, to the Health State Minister Dereje Duguma.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the donation comprises 156 GeneXpert TB Machines, which are expected to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s capacity to diagnose TB more efficiently and effectively. Mission Director Hocklander emphasized the commitment of the US government to intensify its support for Ethiopia, aiming to ensure the success of the nation’s health sector initiatives.
Health State Minister Dereje Duguma expressed his gratitude for the continuous support from USAID, highlighting its pivotal role in enhancing maternal and child health care, nutrition, and disease prevention in Ethiopia. He stressed that the latest contribution from USAID is a critical step towards improving the country’s ability to diagnose TB cases swiftly, thereby reducing the transmission of this infectious disease.
The deployment of the GeneXpert TB Machines across Ethiopia is anticipated to have a profound impact on the country’s efforts to combat Tuberculosis, facilitating early detection and treatment of cases and contributing to the overall health and well-being of its population.