By Andualem Sisay Gessesse – Ambassador Dr. John N. Nkengasong, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy for Health Diplomacy, announced the approval of the $111 million to Ethiopia supporting its effort to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The money will be provided as Country Operational Plan 2023 (COP23) through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program, according to the information from the US Embassy in Addis Ababa.
“U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga, along with Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, attended the virtual event and gave remarks. The COP23 Year 2 plan represents ongoing cooperation between PEPFAR and the Ministry of Health to develop joint programming to support the needs of people living with HIV in Ethiopia.”
The approval announced by Ambassador Nkengasong ensures a continuation of this programming, which will ensure Ethiopia is on track to achieve epidemic control by 2030. PEPFAR, with the Ministry of Health and various stakeholders, has designed a plan focused on closing gaps in HIV prevention, care, and treatment for key populations and addressing geographic disparities.
The plan will prioritize improving HIV services in conflict-affected areas, enhancing case-finding strategies, and reaching vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents, and gender-based violence survivors, according to the statement.
It is stated that over the past 21 years, PEPFAR has invested approximately $3 billion (over 162 billion Birr) to support the HIV/AIDS response in Ethiopia. PEPFAR’s investments have helped strengthen the health system through workforce development, improved infrastructure to support HIV services, and supported the establishment of referral laboratories and a national health information system to address HIV.