UNAIDS Encouraged by Ethiopia’s Efforts to Prevent Spread of HIV/Aids  

Addis Ababa, November 30/2023 (ENA) UNAIDS has been providing various supports to Ethiopia in its efforts to preventing the spread of HIV/Aids and treating people living with the virus, Country Director of UNAIDS in Ethiopia, Francoise Ndyishimiye said.

This year's World AIDS Day will be commemorated on 1st of December, under the theme “Let communities lead.”
In an exclusive interview with ENA, UNAIDS Ethiopia Country Director, Francoise Ndyishimiye said UNAIDS is working in collaboration with local and international pertinent actors to support the implementation of HIV/Aids prevention and treatment programs and projects in Ethiopia. 

The UN agency is coordinating the UN joint country team which consists of  WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and many other organizations to consolidate the national effort, she added.

According to her, the agency in collaboration with its Ethiopian partners primarily focuses on supporting the policies and strategies on HIV prevention, treatment and other related issues.  

“We provide technical support and mobilize resources from the global fund, and others to ensure that the county has enough finance for the treatment and prevention activities.’’ 

Commending Ethiopia’s efforts being carried out to mitigate the pandemic, she stressed the need to further intensify activities with a view to control the disease.

She said even though Ethiopia is doing well in controlling HIV/AIDs as a country, still there are some pockets that need greater attention. 

The Country Director stated that efforts should be strengthened by mobilizing the communities in the prevention and control of AIDs in the country.

The world can end AIDS with communities leading the way. That is why the theme for World AIDS Day this year is ‘Let communities lead.’ it was indicated.  
The Day is marked annually to join forces in the work to understand the impact of HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.