ADDIS ABABA– New data from the Ethiopia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA) shows progress in expanding access to HIV treatment, whilst identifying areas that demand further work.
Federal Health Minstear Dr. Amir Aman said that EPHIA results demonstrated significant progress being made towards achieving epidemic control in Ethiopia. Notably, it is found that 70 per cent of HIV-positive adults in urban Ethiopia are virally suppressed. This is encouraging result is close to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) target of achieving viral suppression of 73 per cent by 2020.
According to him, the study showed significant progress that has been made in ART coverage. “Among HIV-positive adults’ of 15-64 years in urban Ethiopia who knew their status, 99 per cent reported current use of ART.” Though numerically good, the proportion among regions, age and sex groups still needs rigorous effort, he added.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael Raynor praised the commitment of the Ethiopian government, health workers, and communities to combat the spread of HIV, highlighting the importance of further efforts to ensure that U.S. investments in combating HIV succeeds. “USA has invested over 3 billion USD towards these outcomes, and that is true; but the results are literally priceless.”
Ethiopia is among few countries in Africa that are within reach of meeting the UNAIDS treatment goals by 2020, namely: having 90 percent people living with HIV know their status; having 90 percent of those diagnosed receive treatment; and having 90 percent of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression, he indicated.
“This is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. But there is more to be done; and as in any marathon, the final meters can be the hardest to run.”
He said that Ethiopia’s efforts are recognized by PEPFAR as a model for how other countries can sustainably and successfully fight the HIV epidemic, adding: “I strongly encourage the government to build on this model and prioritize adequate financing of the health sector, especially for its invaluable human resources.”
What we learned from our experience is how important it is to continue emphasizing our shared humanity and dignity, while ensuring access to quality testing and treatment services for all.
The United States remains Ethiopia’s committed partner in this fight, but I want to underscore the indispensable role the Ethiopian Government played in what has already been accomplished.
Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) General Director Dr. Ebba Abate, for his part lauded the research and its findings’ role in tipping future priorities. As to him, the government is committed to expand access to HIV testing, and link people living with HIV to care.
HAPCO General Director Dr. Tsigereda Kifle, also says the findings will tip advice to redefine programs and address the gaps surfaced in various parts of Ethiopia.
“The Ministry with pertinent stakeholders is planning new approaches in reinstating efforts in respective States, but it will not be as business usual fashion,” she confirmed.
It was learnt the EPHIA Project is funded by the U.S. government through PEPFAR and conducted by the Ministries of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and ICAP at Columbia University, and other governmental and non-governmental partners.
Herald December 12/2018
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
