World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom is set to return to Ethiopia for the first time in five years as he attends the upcoming African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa in two weeks. His visit comes after a prolonged period of strained relations with the Ethiopian government, largely stemming from his vocal stance during the war in Tigray.
Dr. Tedros, once a high-ranking Ethiopian official and a founding member of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), was initially backed by the Ethiopian government when he was elected WHO Director-General seven years ago. However, during the two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia, he repeatedly raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, calling for greater international intervention and accusing Ethiopian authorities of blocking aid. His outspoken criticism led to an intense backlash from state media and government officials, culminating in Ethiopia’s formal opposition to his re-election as WHO chief in 2022.
Despite these tensions, Dr. Tedros remains a globally respected health leader and is scheduled to engage with multiple African heads of state at the AU summit. According to sources close to the event organizers, his discussions will focus on tackling major public health threats such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, as well as strengthening Africa’s preparedness for future pandemics.
While he is expected to meet with officials from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, it remains uncertain whether he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed or other senior Ethiopian government officials. His visit will be closely watched, as it not only marks his first return to Ethiopia in years but also serves as a test of how his relationship with the government will unfold moving forward.
As Africa’s leaders gather in Addis Ababa, the summit will provide a crucial platform to address pressing health and development issues on the continent, with Dr. Tedros playing a central role in shaping discussions despite the political undercurrents surrounding his visit.
