 HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
is sub-Saharan Africa's second most populous country and one of it's
poorest, with a population of over 73 million people and a GDP per capita
of $115 USD. With a prevalence rate of 2.8-6.7%, an estimated 950,000-2,500,000
people are living with HIV/AIDS. About a third of the HIV patients are
co-infected with TB. The prevalence rate is higher among women between
the ages of 15-24. The epidemic has resulted in over one million orphans.
About HAPCSO
The HIWOT HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Support Organization
(HAPCSO) was established as a local NGO in the capital of Addis Ababa
in 1999 by nurse Tibebe Maco as an indigenous, community-based response
to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
 HAPCSO
involves 65,000 people and includes nine kebeles (sub-districts), located
in the southwestern outskirts of Addis Ababa. The district is known
for the settlement of leprosy patients and their families from various
parts of Ethiopia who come to receive treatment at the local hospital.
This area represents the city's most impoverished settlements, characterized
by overpopulation, unemployment and destitution.
Over the years HAPCSO has grown to provide a wide variety of programs
including home-based care
to HIV/AIDS patients; care, medical treatment and education
for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC); prevention work through peer
educators, drama and song clubs for youths; STI management and treatment,
and community horticultural programs. HAPCSO provides clear and concise
information that will empower the general population to be actively involved
in HIV/AIDS prevention. They work in partnership with various community
leaders dedicated to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS
and taking action to stop its spread through an integrated, community-based
approach.
The
HAPCSO solution integrates its services with local organizations
to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“We
are reaching the people through their own organizations – the
men's associations and the women's associations. As these organizations
learn to deal with AIDS, we have strengthened the community
to fight AIDS on its own.” –Tibebe
Maco, founder, HAPCSO
Africa Prize for Leadership, 2001 |
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