U.S. approves $111m plan to tackle HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia

In a stride towards combating HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador John Nkengasong announced the approval of the 111 million USD Country Operational Plan 2023 (COP23). The financial backing is facilitated through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program.

The virtual announcement ceremony, attended by Ethiopian Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba and US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, highlighted the collaborative efforts between PEPFAR and the Ministry of Health in shaping joint programming tailored to the needs of individuals living with HIV in Ethiopia.

The COP23 Year 2 plan signifies a sustained partnership aimed at closing gaps in HIV prevention, care, and treatment for key populations while addressing regional disparities.

Notably, the plan prioritizes bolstering HIV services in conflict-affected regions, refining case-finding strategies, and extending support to vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, and survivors of gender-based violence.

Ambassador Nkengasong’s announcement ensures the continuity of vital programming, steering Ethiopia towards achieving epidemic control by 2030. PEPFAR’s cumulative investment of approximately 3 billion USD over the past 21 years has significantly fortified Ethiopia’s health system.

The investment has catalyzed workforce development, enhanced infrastructure to facilitate HIV services, and facilitated the establishment of referral laboratories alongside a robust national health information system to tackle HIV effectively.