ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia is intensifying its efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The MoH is aggressively working to reduce the threat of HIV-related diseases by preventing and controlling the spread of the deadly virus.
The Ministry made these remarks yesterday during a press briefing held in conjunction with World AIDS Day 2024.
State Minister Dereje Duguma (MD) stated that despite a decline in the national HIV infection rate compared to previous years, HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health threat.
To achieve the goal of creating an HIV/AIDS-free generation, the MoH plans to launch various awareness campaigns in the near future.
The Ministry aims to reduce HIV/AIDS mortality and infection rates to 0.01% by 2030 nationwide.
According to a 2024 study by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the national HIV prevalence rate has declined to 0.87%, with 7,428 new infections annually. Approximately 605,238 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in the country, and around 10,065 die from the disease each year.
Addis Ababa has the highest prevalence rate at 3.25%, followed by Gambela State at 3.24%.
The MoH will focus on vulnerable populations in remote and conflict-affected areas by providing diagnostic services, interrupting transmission, and creating better living conditions.
The Ministry aims to achieve a 95-95-95 target by 2025, ensuring that 95% of the population is tested for HIV, 95% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
The MoH is also working to improve access to HIV/AIDS services in all health centers, particularly focusing on reducing mother-to-child transmission.
World AIDS Day 2024, to be marked globally tomorrow for the 36th time, under the theme: “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right.”
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024
