Ethiopia has made significant progress in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS and is determined to eliminate it as a public health threat by 2030. To this end, the country has implemented various strategies and programs to increase awareness, improve access to treatment and reduce new infections.
The country has also implemented various prevention programs to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. These include promoting HIV/AIDS tests among the society, providing access to condoms and increasing education and awareness about the virus. The government has also focused on reaching key populations, such as sex workers.
Moreover, community engagement plays a crucial role in Ethiopia’s efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS. The government has worked closely with local communities and organizations to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to treatment and care. This approach has helped to break down barriers and ensure that those people living with HIV feel supported and empowered.
Recently, Health State Minister Dereje Deguma (MD) revealed that Ethiopia has been remarkably mitigating the prevalence of HIV/AIDS through time with concerted efforts of both local and international pertinent bodies.
In connection with the commemoration of this year’s World AIDS Day, the Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Health Institute jointly briefed the media.
On the occasion, Health State Minister Dereje Deguma (MD) said the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia has remarkably declined.
Commending all pertinent bodies for their respective contribution in the effort to curb the predicaments of this health problem, he stressed the need to intensify concerted efforts in order to achieve the goal set to make the disease not a problem by the 2030.
World AIDS Day, observed every year on the first of December, stands as a global initiative uniting people worldwide to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the epidemic.
The Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and underscores the need for sustained collective action.
So far, Ethiopia is intensifying its efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Accordingly, the MoH is aggressively working to reduce the threat of HIV-related diseases by preventing and controlling the spread of the deadly virus.
The State Minister 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 percent by 2030 nationwide.
According to a 2024 study conducted by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the national HIV prevalence rate has declined to 0.87 percent, 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 percent, followed by Gambella State at 3.24 percent.
Therefore, 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 percent of the population is tested for HIV, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95 percent 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.
Ethiopian Public Health Institute Director-General Mesay Hailu (MD) on his part said HIV/AIDS is one the health problems that the Institute has given attention to mitigating it particularly through research.
According to him, over 800 health institutions continuously are conducting surveys on the prevalence of the various and analysis is made that will leveraged as an input to design strategy towards tackling the disease.
Meanwhile, UNAIDS has commended Ethiopia in achieving progresses towards providing stigma-free HIV services while attributing the success to the strong commitment of the government.
In a press release published in line with the World AIDS Day, UNAIDS Ethiopia stated that Ethiopia’s government is working on offering HIV care that are stigma-free and grounded on human rights.
“We applaud Ethiopia’s progress and the government’s commitment to delivering stigma-free HIV services for people living with HIV, grounded in a human rights-based approach. This year’s World AIDS Day reminds us that human rights must be at the heart of the HIV response,” UNAIDS Ethiopia, Country Director Tina Boonto said.
“Protecting health starts with protecting rights. To end HIV as a public health threat by 2030, we must ensure everyone without exception can access HIV treatment and care services free from stigma and discrimination. The time to act is now,” Boonto stressed.
In the statement, AHF Ethiopia, Country Program Director Mengistu Gebre Michael (MD) also underlined the urgent need to enhance HIV prevention efforts, particularly for young women and adolescent girls between the ages of 15-24, who are at significant risk, with around 37 new HIV infections recorded each week.
Moreover, increased funding, support for community-led initiatives, and policies to combat stigma and discrimination are essential to expanding access to prevention and treatment, particularly for at-risk populations. “Together, these efforts are critical in the fight to end AIDS in Ethiopia and globally,” he said.
Dr. Mengistu emphasized that the need for increased accessibility of innovative HIV prevention tools like Dapivirine vaginal ring, Lenacapavir, and Cabotegravir injectable PrEP, along with promoting their use as a proven prevention method.
The press release underscored the need for continuous strategy updates in HIV prevention and control, aligning with evolving needs, and ensuring universal access to HIV treatment and care services by 2030.
Ethiopia faces HIV-related estimates and projections, with 91,248 out of 605,238 people lacking life-saving treatments.
Young women and girls aged 15-24 are four times more likely to acquire HIV than men, the release mentioned, suggesting that collaboration among key stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international partners is necessary for successful HIV response, as demonstrated by Ethiopia’s community-level monitoring initiative.
In sum, Ethiopia has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS and is well on its way to achieving its goal of eliminating it as a public health threat by 2030. Through innovative strategies, community engagement, and a focus on prevention, the country is making a tangible difference in the lives of people living with HIV. With continued dedication and support, Ethiopia is poised to succeed in this important mission.
World AIDS Day 2024 was marked globally for the 36th time, under the theme: “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right.”
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
