His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I on Public Health in Ethiopia
Public health is among the highest priorities in His Majesty Haile Selassie multifold reforms instituted for the peace, progress and prosperity of Ethiopia.
Public Health institutions, services and trained personnel including the corps of Ethiopian doctors continue daily to increase.
Therefore, we’ll take a look at some of the few speeches in which Haile Selassie I made on health. This article will be written to show the exemplary life of HIM.
It is to also show the examples in which we who are of the faith of RasTafari to walk and to teach. We should be inspired by HIM to do that which is right.
The teachings of HIM are the knowledge in which we who are of the faith to seek and find. Not only should we seek and find but to learn and do them as well as to share.
So I pray that this article may inspire you to do that which is righteous in Jah name.
PUBLIC HEALTH
“…We have devoted particular attention to the material and physical well-being of Our people through a programme for public health.
Today, We are opening and dedicating to the memory of Our regretted and well-beloved daughter, the Princess Tsahai Memorial Hospital which will not only provide for the treatment of mothers and children,
but will, also, constitute the first centre of medical instruction and training in Ethiopia.”
Haile Selassie I
Nov. 3, 1951.
“… The raising of Our country’s standards of public health occupies an important and prominent place in the plans We have prepared for the peaceful growth and development of Our nation.
To improve conditions of life is by itself to benefit present and future generations, and however high the cost, this work must be accomplished.
Agreements have been executed with the International Co-operation Administration for the furnishing of aid to assist Our efforts in this direction.
We long ago determined that, with the help of Our people, no one in Ethiopia would lack adequate medical treatment because of his inability to pay for it, and a plan to implement the goal has already been prepared.” …
Haile Selassie I
Nov. 9, 1957.
“Much has been achieved in the field of public health which is of equal rank with education in assuring the welfare
of Our people, and much more is planned for the future.
Discussions held with the Government of the United States of America and the World Health Organisation, a Specialised
Agency of the United Nations,
have resulted in the conclusion of an agreement whereby malaria-infested areas of Our country, which today, despite their richness and fertility,
remain uninhabited by man or beast, will be rid of this plague and will once more become available to Our economy. Many of these areas,
if freed from malaria, can be irrigated and thus make an immeasurable contribution to the growth of Our economy…”
Haile Selassie I
Nov. 2, 1958.
I pray that these few speeches inspire you to do that which is right. I pray it may inspire you on your journey for the truth and righteousness.
In addition, let the teachings of HIM move you to walk in the right direction and truth. Let HIM be your light and beacon in these dark times.
Therefore, I pray for your health and strength and that knowledge and wisdom may follow you. Let your light so shine, be blessed. Selah.
