Ethiopia’s determined steps to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030 have been praised.
The 36th World AIDS Day was celebrated under the theme “Choose the Right Path” at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, where government officials and health workers assessed the progress made in the fight against HIV.
Key Statistics and Goals:
• HIV Statistics: Currently, more than 600,000 people live with HIV in the country. Over the past two years, HIV prevalence has decreased from 0.9% to 0.87%.
• 95-95-95 Target: Ethiopia is strengthening national and international collaborations to diagnose 95% of people living with HIV, provide treatment to 95% of them, and achieve viral suppression in 95% of treated individuals.
Stakeholders’ Views:
• State Minister of Health Dereje Duguma acknowledged the challenges in the fight against HIV but highlighted progress in viral suppression and reducing new infections.
• UNAIDS Country Director Krittayawan Boonto emphasized that Ethiopia is making strong progress toward the global 99-95-95 targets, with 94% of people living with HIV having access to treatment.
Contributions of the United States:
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga noted that approximately $3.5 billion has been invested in HIV interventions. These investments have supported the overall health system by strengthening laboratory infrastructure, health information systems, and supply chain management.
Conclusion:
The determined efforts and international cooperation in the fight against HIV are bringing Ethiopia closer to its 2030 goals. Continued initiatives for youth and vulnerable groups are critical for maintaining progress.
