Over 2.8mln people undergo VCT in nine months
Information Monitoring and Evaluation Department Head with (HAPCO), Dr. Afework Kassa, said at a meeting that deliberates on nine-month performance and plan for next budget year here yesterday that the stated number of people underwent VCT against the set target to deliver the service to 2.2 million people.
The performance is indicative of the efforts being exerted to contain the spread of the virus, he said adding that the number of people who undergo blood test has steadily been growing.
HAPCO Director General, Dr. Betru Tekle, on his part said that successful results have been achieved in the provision of voluntary counseling and testing, HIV/AIDS blood test and therapy services as well as collaborative works with partners, among others this budget year.
The Director General further urged for enhancement of HIV/AIDS prevention works by rectifying drawbacks experienced during the reported period.
Tigray State Council Speaker, Dr. Wolderufael Alemayehu said that it would be possible to contain the spread of the virus when all people strive jointly for common goal.
The speaker further pledged that the state government would provide the necessary support to bring down the public mobilization efforts down to grass root levels.
Representatives of Global Fund and World Bank, among others lauded the efforts underway in the country to arrest the pandemic and further pledged to consolidate their support in the years ahead.
Participants from federal, state health bureaus and various international donor organizations are in attendance at the five-day conference, it was learnt.
