Pandemic Fund Launches Ethiopia-Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and ResponseMEFT official makes first court appearance at Rundu

Addis Ababa: The pandemic fund has launched Ethiopia-Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project (EPPR) aimed at reinforcing the capacity to prevent, detect, and response to public health emergencies including pandemics. Strengthened workforce, improved laboratory systems, and enhanced surveillance at points of entries are among the expected outcomes from the launched EPPR project, it was learned. Health Minister, Lia Tadesse and Agriculture Minister, Girma Amante as well as representatives of Africa CDC, WHO Regional Office and the World Bank Group are attending the launching ceremony. The project with the three main pillars of laboratory, workforce, and surveillance is expected to phase out in 2026. The Pandemic Fund is a collaborative partnership among donor countries, co-investors (countries that are eligible to receive funding), foundations and civil society organizations (CSOs). It is hosted by the World Bank with WHO as technical lead. The Pandemic Fund finances critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Source: Ethiopian News Agency RUNDU: An official in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, 40-year-old Johannes Haufiku, made his first appearance in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on Monday. Haufiku was arrested on Thursday after he was reportedly found transporting 39 private animal feed bags without an official permit. He appeared before Magistrate Sonia Samupofu, who granted him bail of N.dollars 3000. His case was postponed to 25 April 2024 to allow for a decision by the Prosecutor General's office. Haufiku chose to conduct his own defense. It is alleged that Haufiku was transporting the 39 bags from a dwelling in Sauyemwa informal settlement to his house in Tuhingireni informal settlement and intended to drop the bags off at his farm at Karukuhwisa village at a later stage before he was intercepted by an undercover police officer. The 39 bags of animal feed were also seized. Source: The Namibia Press Agency