Latest news with #EthiopianHealthProfessionalsAssociation
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
TikTok posts falsely claim Ethiopia's health minister and her deputy quit over medical strike
'The minister of health has resigned,' reads the text overlay on a TikTok video posted on May 7, 2025. The video, which contains a picture of Mekdes, has been shared more than 820 times. The Ethiopian health professionals had given the government seven days to respond to their demands before going on strike. The post was shared on TikTok during this period. People commenting on the post hailed Mekdes for purportedly stepping down. 'She is a hero,' read one comment. 'The struggle should start from the top leaders. Other officials should learn from her decision.' Another user added: 'She did the best thing. The health workers' demand should be met.' A similar post published by the same TikTok account a week later claimed Mekdes' deputy Dereje Duguma, whose official title is State Minister of Health, had also stepped aside. 'The health professionals' demand is leading to protests,' reads a text overlay at the bottom of the video, posted on May 14, 2025 – a day after the partial strike by healthcare workers began (archived here). Shared more than 730 times, the clip contains a photo of Dereje. On May 7, 2025, the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) urged the government to immediately address the demands made by the sector's workforce, giving a week's notice of their intention to strike (archived here). The nationwide partial strike began on May 13, 2025, to demand fair pay, better benefits and risk compensation. The strike coordinators reported on May 14, 2025 that several health workers and medical students were reportedly arrested in different parts of Ethiopia as the strike gained momentum across the country (archived here). However, the claims that both the health minister and her deputy resigned because of the strike are false. Both Mekdes and Dereje made public appearances and statements in their official capacities days after the claims about their purported resignations were posted. Mekdes appeared on the state-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and spoke about the list of strike demands and ongoing efforts to address them (archived here). 'A new proclamation was recently passed that provides health insurance for health professionals and the cost will be fully covered by the government,' Mekdes said in her interview on May 12, 2025. She also pointed out that the new law provides further benefits for health professionals. Three days later, she issued a stern warning to striking workers, saying that 'strikes in the health sector are prohibited by law' and announced legal action against those who refused to return to work (archived here). Mekdes again appeared on EBC News on May 19, 2025, and said, "Health professionals are performing their professional duties in health facilities." Despite this, she indicated that some medical schools' activities have been interrupted over the strike (archived here). Meanwhile, Dereje posted a message on Facebook about the strike a day after the claim about his resignation was published. He denounced the actions of individuals whom he accused of hijacking the interests of health workers to advance their political plans amidst the strike. 'I want to assure that the attempt to hijack health professionals for a political agenda will not achieve its objective,' he posted in Amharic (archived here). The healthy ministry confirmed to AFP Fact Check that the claims about both ministers were unfounded. 'This is completely false,' a health ministry spokesman said.
AFP
20-05-2025
- Health
- AFP
TikTok posts falsely claim Ethiopia's health minister and her deputy quit over medical strike
'The minister of health has resigned,' reads the text overlay on a TikTok video posted on May 7, 2025. The video, which contains a picture of Mekdes, has been shared more than 820 times. Image Screenshot of the false post, taken on May 16, 2025 The Ethiopian health professionals had given the government seven days to respond to their demands before going on strike. The post was shared on TikTok during this period. People commenting on the post hailed Mekdes for purportedly stepping down. 'She is a hero,' read one comment. 'The struggle should start from the top leaders. Other officials should learn from her decision.' Another user added: 'She did the best thing. The health workers' demand should be met.' A similar post published by the same TikTok account a week later claimed Mekdes' deputy Dereje Duguma, whose official title is State Minister of Health, had also stepped aside. 'The health professionals' demand is leading to protests,' reads a text overlay at the bottom of the video, posted on May 14, 2025 – a day after the partial strike by healthcare workers began (archived here). Image Screenshot of the false post, taken on May 16, 2025 Shared more than 730 times, the clip contains a photo of Dereje. Health professionals strike On May 7, 2025, the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) urged the government to immediately address the demands made by the sector's workforce, giving a week's notice of their intention to strike (archived here). The nationwide partial strike began on May 13, 2025, to demand fair pay, better benefits and risk compensation. The strike coordinators reported on May 14, 2025 that several health workers and medical students were reportedly arrested in different parts of Ethiopia as the strike gained momentum across the country (archived here). However, the claims that both the health minister and her deputy resigned because of the strike are false. Minister seen in public Both Mekdes and Dereje made public appearances and statements in their official capacities days after the claims about their purported resignations were posted. Mekdes appeared on the state-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and spoke about the list of strike demands and ongoing efforts to address them (archived here). 'A new proclamation was recently passed that provides health insurance for health professionals and the cost will be fully covered by the government,' Mekdes said in her interview on May 12, 2025. She also pointed out that the new law provides further benefits for health professionals. Three days later, she issued a stern warning to striking workers, saying that 'strikes in the health sector are prohibited by law' and announced legal action against those who refused to return to work (archived here). Mekdes again appeared on EBC News on May 19, 2025, and said, "Health professionals are performing their professional duties in health facilities." Despite this, she indicated that some medical schools' activities have been interrupted over the strike (archived here). Meanwhile, Dereje posted a message on Facebook about the strike a day after the claim about his resignation was published. He denounced the actions of individuals whom he accused of hijacking the interests of health workers to advance their political plans amidst the strike. 'I want to assure that the attempt to hijack health professionals for a political agenda will not achieve its objective,' he posted in Amharic (archived here). Image Screenshot of the post by Dereje Duguma, taken on May 16, 2025 The healthy ministry confirmed to AFP Fact Check that the claims about both ministers were unfounded. 'This is completely false,' a health ministry spokesman said.
Arabian Post
08-05-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
Health Workers in Ethiopia Demand Urgent Reforms Amid Mounting Pressures
Health professionals across Ethiopia have initiated widespread demonstrations, voicing demands for improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions. The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association has called on the government to address these concerns promptly, emphasising the urgency of the situation. The demonstrations, characterised as pre-strike actions, have seen health workers from various regions participating. Placards bearing messages such as 'Enough with the silence!' and 'We demand an urgent solution!' have been prominently displayed. These actions are part of a broader movement advocating for the rights and welfare of health professionals in the country. In a statement issued on 7 May 2025, the EHPA highlighted the legitimacy of the health workers' demands and urged the government to provide immediate solutions. The association noted that it had previously submitted these concerns through appropriate legal channels but had not received satisfactory responses. It emphasised the importance of addressing these issues to prevent further complications for the nation. The health professionals have outlined a series of demands, including salary adjustments to align with East African standards, proportional overtime compensation, housing and transport allowances, and legal accountability for mistreatment by administrative or security bodies. They also called for policy reforms to improve the overall healthcare system and working conditions. An open letter from the Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement set a deadline of 11 May for the Ministry of Health to respond to twelve key demands. The letter warned that failure to address these concerns would lead to appropriate legal measures. The health workers expressed their frustration over years of sacrifice without adequate compensation or recognition, stating that many continue to serve out of public trust and professional ethics rather than fair remuneration. The movement has gained momentum through social media campaigns using hashtags like #HealthWorkersMatter and #PayHealthWorkersFairly. These campaigns have brought attention to the challenges faced by health professionals, including low salaries, inadequate housing, lack of medical coverage, and conditions that compromise their dignity. Reports indicate that some health professionals have died due to lack of treatment, while others have been forced to seek public assistance. The letter from the health workers described the situation as a common reality, highlighting the dire circumstances they face. The EHPA has expressed support for the movement, recognising the health professionals' efforts to secure their rights. However, it also emphasised the need for the movement to proceed responsibly and without causing harm to the country and the community. The association urged the government to stop neglecting the health workers' concerns and to provide appropriate attention and responses.
