UNAIDS says Ethiopia’s efforts to curb spread of HIV/AIDS promising

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

April 2, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — The United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said the efforts being made by Ethiopia to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS are encouraging Ethiopia news agency reports referring the talks between presidet Girma and UNAIDS executive director.

While conferring with President Girma Woldegiorgis here on Tuesday, UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot said the spread of HIV/AIDS has shown a decrease in the country particularly in urban areas.

The pandemic is still affecting rural areas, he said, and added that awareness raising orientations on HIV/AIDS should be provided in a strengthened and coordinated manner.

Dr Piot, who is also Under Secretary General of the United Nations said community conversations being made in various areas on the issue are bearing fruits.

President Girma has invited the Executive Director to visit Alaba and Gujji areas where community conversations have been launched.

The establishment of National HIV/AIDS Council led by President Girma is an indicator that demonstrates Ethiopia’s due concern to curb the pandemic.

HIV/AIDS has been spreading in various parts of the world particularly in West and East Europe, Asia and America.

Speaking for his part, President Girma said the Ethiopian government has been executing various activities aiming at holding back the spread of the pandemic by establishing HIV/AIDS councils in all regional states.

President Girma also told Dr. Piot that awareness raising orientations that involve the public at large have also been undertaken, a senior government official who attended the discussion told journalists.

(ST)