Dr Amir Aman, recipient of the 2018 Jakes Gerwel Award, delivered a public lecture

Dr Amir Aman, Ethiopian Minister of Health, delivered his lecture entitled "Ethiopia: Health Sector Policy and practice" at the School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape on 14 December 2018.

Dr Amir Aman, Ethiopian Minister of Health, delivered his lecture entitled “Ethiopia: Health Sector Policy and practice” at the School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape on 14 December 2018.

Prof Uta Lehmann, Director of SOPH, started the event by welcoming participants, and extending special thanks to the Mauerberger Foundation, the Jakes Gerwel family, and Dr Amir Aman.

The event was attended by members of the UWC community and sister institutions, and Ethiopian academics based in universities across Cape Town.

Chairperson and Director of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund and Jakes Gerwel family addressed the audience. Woldekidan Amde, researcher at SOPH, then introduced Dr Amir Aman focusing on his career journey and contribution over the years (read full citation here https://bit.ly/2UWrgRQ).

In his lecture Dr Amir highlighted Ethiopia’s experience in achieving impact through homegrown community health programs and primary health care (PHC). He stressed the possibility of realizing universal health coverage through PHC. Dr Amir noted that 90% of MDG achievements of the country is attributable to Health Extension Workers, who are all remunerated and are part of the civil service. Dr Amir further discussed the country-led policies, and partnership with donors that are meant to strengthen systems and prevent proliferation of vertical programs (View lecture slides here https://bit.ly/2Ezybex). Dr Amir engaged in an interactive Q&A session with participants at the the end of his presentation.

The event ended with Prof David Sanders delivering his vote of thanks to Tamlin Petersen, Carnita Ernest, the Mauerberger Foundation, and everyone that contributed to the success of the event

Watch the lecture here

To view more photos from the event, please follow link https://bit.ly/2BtWy9J