Addis Ababa, December 01, 2011 - The 2011 World AIDS Day was celebrated today with various activities at the Ethiopian Assembly Hall, under the theme - “Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths”. This year’s World AIDS Day was commemorated on the eve of the 16th International Conference on AIDS and STIs (ICASA 2011).
Organized by the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, the conference was attended by His Excellency, Ato. Girma Woldegiorgis, President of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Ato. Kuma Demeksa, Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration, His Excellency, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Federal Minister of Health, Ambassador Donald E. Booth, US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ms. Jan Beagle, Deputy Secretary General of UN and Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS, Dr. Betru Tekle, Director General of Federal HAPCO and members of the community.
Dr. Betru Tekle giving a welcoming speech said “the purpose of commemorating World AIDS Day every year is for renewing governments’, nations’ and relevant organizations’ commitments to curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS.” Dr. Betru, outlined that constant dedication is needed for the continued fight against the spread of HIV and towards getting to zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.
President Girma Woldegiorgis also emphasized the need for both the government and its citizens to be committed towards getting to zero HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths so as to bring about the planned economic growth and transformation.
His Excellency Kuma Demeksa on his part spoke about the City Administration’s past and present activities in fighting against the spread of HIV and AIDS by increasing access to health care services, providing free ART to PLWHs and building health practitioners’ capacity. He also said that in addition to what is being done, further activities in the areas of raising awareness within the community and in schools need to be accomplished.
Dr. Tewodros, who also gave a speech said “In our struggle to achieve the country’s Plan for Growth and Transformation, in meeting the MDGs and in our fight against poverty, the government of Ethiopia has been working towards curbing the spread of the HIV epidemic which has been affecting our most productive population.” He further pointed out the great need to mobilize the entire population to own the commitment towards getting to zero.
Ms. Beagle pointed out that although significant successes have been registered in reducing the overall incidence of HIV in sub-Sahara African countries, further scaling-up of treatment is needed to end the epidemic. She also spoke about the high level meeting on AIDS convened by the UN General Assembly in June 2011 in the response against HIV where unprecedented political commitment was acquired resulting in a declaration with “ bold, tangible and realistic promises which need to be delivered in every county, every community and to every person in need” said Ms. Beagle.
US Ambassador to Ethiopia Donald Booth said it’s now time to work towards having an AIDS-free generation. He said, to this end PEPFAR will be used as one of the platforms for President Obama’s Global Health Initiative focusing on “bolstering the health of women, newborns and children by combating infectious diseases and providing quality health services.” Ambassador Booth also called on other nations to maintain their commitment to health and in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Testimonials from People living with HIV, poetry and music were also part of this year’s World AIDS day commemoration.
Representatives of various ministries, local and international partners such as UN Agencies, PEPFAR, WHO, NEP+ network of people living with HIV, Association of Women Living with HIV, Association of Youth living with HIV have attended the event.
