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HAPCO launches action plan for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, support |
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Addis Ababa, January 18, 2008 (WIC) – The Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO) yesterday launched a multi-sectoral plan of action for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the half day-long conference held in Gihon hotel, HAPCO Deputy Director General, Meskele Lera, said the social, economic, cultural, and behavioral factors aggravating HIV and AIDS need to be addressed to overcome the underlying causes and consequence of HIV and AIDS. As a result, multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS response became an integral part of the plan for accelerated and sustained development to end poverty, he pointed out. He said concerted efforts at institution and community level are needed by government, donor communities, NGOs, civil societies, faith-based organizations, PLwH, the private sector and the communities. Plan and Program Department Head with HAPCO, Hussen Faris on his part said the multi-sectoral plan of action was developed to serve as main implementation framework for national response. The multi-sectoral plan of action for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support 2007-2010 will stay for four years beginning this Ethiopian year and was developed by HAPCO in collaboration with partner organizations, he said. The head said organizing dialogue in all kebeles across the country on the spread of the virus, providing medical service for 94 percent of people infected by venereal diseases and making 80 percent mothers infected with the virus take drug so that they won't transmit the virus to children are among the goals set in the action plan. Some 34.2 billion birr required to realize the action plan would be covered by governmental and non-governmental organizations, international donor organizations, civic societies and fund raising programs to be carried out by the office. Partner organizations which participated in the conference have pledged to contribute their shares for the realization of the action plan. Governmental and non-governmental organizations, civic associations and organization operating on HIV/AIDS took part in the half-day conference. |
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