Addis Ababa, September 7, 2010 - A national communication campaign urging expecting parents to go together for HIV counselling and testing [to help ensure that children are born HIV Free] was launched on September 7, 2010 three days prior to National HIV Counselling & Testing (HCT) Day.
This year’s National HCT Day observes the theme “HIV Free Babies--Parents’ Responsibilities in Using HCT Services,” and emphasizes the benefits of both parents learning their HIV status together to help prevent HIV infection among newborns. Currently in
“As partners, fathers play a major role in mothers’ accessing services and completing treatment to prevent infection in their children,” said Wz. Fantu Tsegaye, Head of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, speaking at the community event that took place at
“It is important for the future generation and it is the responsibility of parents to go out and tested for HIV and know their status,” commented Dr. Carmela Abate, PEPFAR Ethiopia Coordinator, after participating in the billboard inauguration ceremony.
According to the Federal HAPCO report 2001 Ethiopian Calendar, among the estimated 80,000 HIV positive pregnant mothers, only 6,466 mothers received ARV prophylaxis.
Dr. Addis Akalu from the Addis Ababa Health Bureau Disease Prevention and Control Core Process explained that many women drop out of PMTCT services due to their husband’s reluctance to get tested and difficulty with disclosing their own test results. Early involvement of husbands is essential to reducing HIV infection in newborns and reducing the disclosure burden on mothers. Accessing HIV testing as a couple is vital to the program.
Fathers’ support is indispensable to ensure that mothers and babies get the services they need. “Fathers have a critical role in ensuring the mother’s health and in preventing HIV infection to the baby,” said Ato
Dr. Tekeste Kebede from U.S. Centers for Disease Control/Ethiopia added that involvement by fathers in testing and prenatal prevention could overcome a major obstacle to achieving the national program's potential. “If both mother and father go through counseling and testing together,” he said, “both partners will hear prevention information together, building a shared understanding and adhering to medical advice for preventing HIV infection in newborns.…As providers, we should reorient our services to welcome husbands who come with their wives.” For all these reasons the involvement of both parents in HCT services essential.
A variety of events are taking place in different parts of
Materials
 Ye Awdamet Sitota - Audio (7.44 MB)  |
Hits: 414 |
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 Ye Awdamet Sitota - Video (54.79 MB) |
Hits: 304 |
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| Brochure Size: 17.67 MB  |
VCT Male Focused Poster Size: 2.24 MB  |
VCT Couple Small Billboard Size:1.62 MB  |
VCT Baby Billboard Size:1.14 MB  |
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Contact:
Selamawit Mamo
Media and Events Coordinator
Tel: 0115503584
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www.etharc.org
