Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba has been elected as the Co-Chair of the Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board.

The Pandemic Fund is a multilateral financing mechanism established by the international community to help low- and middle-income countries build the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to health emergencies.

The fund expressed its confidence that, in her new role, the minister will lead efforts to strengthen international partnerships and enhance support for countries investing in pandemic preparedness, ultimately driving meaningful change. Dr. Mekdes succeeds Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health of Rwanda.

According to information obtained from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mekdes stated in her message, "We must build and bequeath to the next generation a robust health system capable of saving lives and ensuring global health security."