IOM Special Liaison Office, Addis Ababa Newsletter MASS WALK TO MARK WORLD TB DAY

Transcription

1 Migrant. IOM Special Liaison Office, Newsletter. Volume 4 Issue 1 March 2013 MASS WALK TO MARK WORLD TB DAY ALSO IN THIS ISSUE IOM Signs MOU with Government of Ethiopia to Enhance National Capacities for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons IOM Conducts TOT Training on Information Management in Disasters 20th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in IOM Deputy Director General visits Ethiopia: congratulates staffs for best performance and accomplishments

2 MASS WALK TO MARK WORLD TB DAY St Peter s Tuberculosis (TB) Specialized Hospital and IOM organized a 4km anti TB mass walk to mark the World TB day in on the 23 March, mass walk was intended to increase public awareness on TB and to call for active community engagement in the fight against the disease in Ethiopia. 4km walk was staged at the main gate of University (also known as Sidist kilo) and more than 1,500 participants including school children, members of community associations, women groups, members of the police force, and staff members both from IOM and St. Peter s TB Specialized hospital joined the starting line wearing a white T-Shirt and a cap with a printed message on TB. In her opening remarks, the Medical Director of the St Peter s TB Specialized Hospital, Dr. Martha Fekadu thanked everyone for their participation. She further expressed her appreciation towards IOM for supporting and organizing the event and emphasized that the working relationship with IOM will be strengthened in the future. Dr. Teferi Ayalew, IOM Migration Health Officer and focal person to TB REACH Programme informed the participants that IOM is actively engaged in the prevention of TB in Ethiopia. He mentioned some of the major TB prevention and treatment activities that IOM is implementing to benefit refugees and host communities in Tigray and Somali regions. Dr. Teferi also expressed his gratitude to St Peter s TB Specialized Hospital for providing support to IOM s work. After the opening remarks, the Federal Po- 2

3 lice Marching Band led the participants with music. challenging walk required climbing the hill from University all the way to St Peter s TB Specialized Hospital which is located near the Entoto Mountain at an altitude more than 2800m above sea level. Yet, the enjoyable and colourful walk attracted the passerby and increased public awareness on TB. At the end of the walk, the Children and Youth ater group presented a musical drama with a message on TB prevention. teenagers performance enticed and refreshed the participants after the challenging walk. In addition those who completed the walk received a certificate of participation. event concluded with the Ethiopian National anthem played by the Marching Band. event was also a double occasion as St. Peter s was celebrating its 50th anniversary. TB remains a public health burden in many parts of the world, disproportionately affecting poor and marginalized populations, such as migrants. Studies show that migrants and their families have higher levels of TB-related morbidity and mortality, as they generally lack access to routine TB diagnostics and continuity of treatment. Some migrants live in isolation while others may be detained in over-crowded detention facilities. y are thus among the most vulnerable groups that face a particularly high level of TB risks. According to the WHO, over 95% of TB deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, affecting the poorest and the most vulnerable communities 1. In Ethiopia, TB remains a major public health problem. prevalence of all forms of TB is estimated to be 394 per 100,000 populations, making Ethiopia one of the High Burden Country (HBC) in the world 2. Participants receiving certificate after the walk 1. en/index.html 2. Contribution to the Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Ethiopia: WHO Annual Report 2011, Ethiopia Children and Youth ater group presenting musical drama IOM staffs who participated in the mass walk IOM activities towards TB prevention in Ethiopia In the context of population movement, IOM in Ethiopia is implementing different TB prevention and treatment interventions. se interventions are targeting refugees (in urban and camp settings), host communities and other migrants. As part of the health assessment programme for refugees and immigrants, IOM in Ethiopia conducts screening for TB and provides a range of comprehensive services, including physical exams, radiological interventions, sputum smears and cultures and Directly Observed Treatment (DOT). se services are provided either directly or in partnership with the exiting health systems in the country. In Addis Ababa, IOM has a smooth working relationship with St. Peter s TB specialized Hospital in which IOM refers Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases to the hospital for treatment and followup. In Tigray and Somali regions of Ethiopia, IOM is implementing a TB REACH programme to serve the underserved refugees and host population by building the capacity of health service providers to effectively provide TB detection and treatment services. In this programme, IOM aims to improve health services by introduce new diagnostic technologies in order to increase case detection rate (up to 70%) and treatment success and adherence rates (up to 90%). programme is also designed to assist the National TB Control Program (NTCP) of the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH). It will also increase detection of MDR-TB and detection of TB among HIV co-infected migrants, refugees and host population. In addition, the programme is supporting the use of community-based approaches and facility interventions including sensitization and mobilization of community members, Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and community volunteers. 3

4 IOM Signs MOU with Government of Ethiopia to Enhance National Capacities for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons H.E Abdulfatah Abdullahi and Mr. Josiah Ogina signing the MOU IOM and the Government of Ethiopia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a two-year project intended to enhance national capacities and cooperation for the prevention of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and to ensure the protection of victims and prosecution of traffickers in Ethiopia. MoU was signed by Ethiopia s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Abdulfatah Abdullahi, representing the Government of Ethiopia and IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission and Representative to the AU/ECA/IGAD, Josiah Ogina, representing IOM. Signing the MoU, the Minister highlighted government s commitment to engage more actively in effective migration management and combating human trafficking in Ethiopia. He stressed the need to strengthen community-based awareness raising activities throughout the country. Mr. Ogina emphasized that human mobility needs to be managed in an orderly and safe manner. IOM Chief of Mission also reaffirmed IOM s readiness to support the Government of Ethiopia in combating human trafficking through a variety of capacity building and community-based interventions. IOM project will focus on improving the capacity of the national Anti-Human Trafficking Committee to spearhead and coordinate nation-wide efforts against human trafficking. It will also strengthen the national legislative and criminal justice capacities to effectively prosecute traffickers and adjudicate TIP cases. Moreover, the project will work to improve identification, referral, protection and assistance services to victims of trafficking. two-year project has been funded by a US$ 500,000 grant from the United States Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP). 4

5 IOM Conducts TOT Training on Information Management in Disasters Information management in disasters training on session IOM has offered two days Training of Trainers (TOT) training on information management and data collection methodologies in disasters for regional government experts from March 28 to 29, 2013 in. training aimed to equip the experts with the essential concepts of disaster information management systems. training is also believed to reinforce the coordination mechanisms of disaster risk management and promote coherent needs-based responses to future emergencies in Ethiopia. two days training provided an overview of the overall links between information management and coordination whilst providing guidance on information collection and sharing through data collection tools. training also provided the introduction of the displacement tracking matrix (DTM) and covered some basic concepts, such as standard data collection methodologies, data collection process and strategy, report generation and analysis, as well as dissemination and feedback. Participants have also examined important legal frameworks, such as the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons, also known as the Kampala Convention. In the context of Disaster Risk Management (DRM), timely, efficient information and reliable data generation are crucial to solid emergency response. IOM recognizes the need to step up efforts and strengthen major areas, such as information management and disaster risk communication system as one of the basic enablers for efficient response that utilizes and allocates resources according to the needs of the affected population. IOM in Ethiopia has been providing targeted assistance to disaster affected populations in Gambella, Oromia and Somali Regions. In an effort to improve information management capacity of government experts on disaster response, IOM has developed a program under its Surviving and Recovering from Disaster and Displacement (SARDD) II project, funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO). This training is part of the ECHO project and 15 experts have received the TOT training. IOM plans to further cascade the training of information management in disasters to Zonal and Woreda level experts using the trained TOTs and in coordination with the government s Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Sector (DRMFSS). 5

6 20th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was held from 27 to 28 January, 2013 at the Headquarters of the African Union in, Ethiopia. This year, the theme of the summit is Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, signifying the realization of an integrated, peoplecentred and prosperous Africa. Pan- Africanism and African Renaissance In the opening of the summit, the AUC chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said that the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the ideals of the African Renaissance will propel its citizens towards prosperous Africa. Dr Dlamini-Zuma also stressed that Africa must accelerate integration and connectivity through free movement of people, goods and service across the continent in order to secure decent livelihoods. assembly also elected new Chairman of the Union, H.E Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, who took over from the President of Benin, H. E Mr Boni Yayi. Assembly also adopted various important decisions, including the refocusing of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to support the transformation agenda of the African Union, the creation of the African Observatory on Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) and the coordination of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) among others. 6

7 Ambassador Laura Thompson discussing programme issues with heads of departments of IOM Ethiopia IOM Deputy Director General visits Ethiopia congratulates staffs for best performance and accomplishments IOM Deputy Director General (DDG), Ambassador Laura Thompson visited Ethiopia from 16 to 18 March, Ambassador Thompson attended the 5th Follow-up Ministerial Meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD V, which took place at the African Union Headquarters in from 16 to 17 March, two day meeting reviewed the Yokohama plan of Action as well as other preparations for the TICAD V, scheduled to be held in the first week of June in Yokohama, Japan. TICAD V is expected to discuss the Yokohama Declaration 2013, outlining principles for advancing African development among TICAD stakeholders, as well as the Yokohama Action Plan 2013, a road map for action oriented initiatives. Ambassador Laura Thompson addressing staff As part of her visit to Ethiopia, Ambassador Thompson also attended a series of bilateral meetings with some ministerial delegations, African Union and Ethiopian Government officials. After attending the TICAD V Ministerial Meeting, the DDG visited the IOM Special Liaison Office in where she was briefed on the Mission s activities. Since its establishment in 1995, the IOM Mission in Ethiopia grew tremendously over the years. Mission implements both country programmes as well as liaison functions with the AU/UNECA/IGAD. With over 200 staff and six sub-offices in the country, IOM Ethiopia s programmes and projects are targeted to addressing migration challenges in the country. With its liaison functions, the Mission is also closely working with various multilateral institutions to enhance research, policy development and dialogue on migration related matters. Continued to next page... 7

8 Ambassador Thompson also had a moment with the IOM Ethiopia staff. DDG s presence was a good occasion to congratulate employees who have been nominated as best performers by the general staff for the year Recognizing the value of acknowledgment to staff members who have shown exceeding performance and accomplishment, the IOM Ethiopia Mission took the initiative and developed a TOR which guided the nomination process. TOR document was also shared to all staff members and the voting process continued according to the key principles in the TOR. nomination took place both in the main office in and the sub-offices, taking in to consideration the number of staff in each office (i.e. five from and one from each sub-offices). After handing over Certificates of Appreciation, the DDG congratulated all the nominees and expressed her best wishes for the years to come. She also appreciated the work of IOM in Ethiopia which she said is recognized by the Government. During her bilateral sessions with different government ministries, the DDG learnt that IOM is well accepted in Ethiopia. Ambassador Thompson ultimately urged all employees to work hard and excel in their areas of engagement despite all the challenges they are facing. She also reassured that the Headquarter will provide all the necessary support for the success of the Mission activities. Hana Tamiru Hailegebriel Bekele Transit Center Luke Kue Gambella Thank you to our donors and partners Employees of the year (2012) Ashenafi Desta Deribe Abera Moyale Getachew Bekele Assosa Ilze Noble Ashenafi Tefera Shire Demissew Bizuwerk Fuad Hassan Dollo Ado Tagel Solomon Sheiknoor Hassan Jigjiga Editorial SLO Addis Communication Group Editor: Demissew Bizuwerk International Organization for Migration Special Liaison Office (SLO) in P.O.Box Code 1000 Tel /98 Fax iomaddis@iom.int Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of IOM. IOM Mission IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with partners in the international community to: Assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management Advance understanding of migration issues Encourage social and economic development