Our work in Ethiopia
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has hit Ethiopia with catastrophic results. The HIV prevalence rate is officially 6.6% (but 16% in Addis Ababa). 2.2 million Ethiopians are infected by HIV/AIDS (the third highest number of people infected in the world). Even more troublesome is that the highest prevalence is seen in the age group 15 to 24, representing "recent" infections for this two-decade-old pandemic. The age and sex distribution of reported AIDS cases shows that about 91% of infections occur among adults of age 15 - 49. The number of females infected between 15 to 19 years is much higher than the number of males in the same age group. The pandemic is encased by gender inequality as women often do not have the confidence, knowledge or economic autonomy to protect themselves. As the disease strikes the economically active within families, those who are affected often face financial insecurity, discrimination, and struggle for their subsistence.
3.8 million children have lost one parent due HIV/AIDS (among other illnesses) and there are more than 1.2 million orphans in Ethiopia. Traditionally, these children are taken in by extended families but because of the sheer numbers and the economic strain, many children are no longer cared for by their extended clan. Many orphans are now found on the streets, exploited and abused or working to care for their younger siblings by any means they have.
The rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia is a by-product of mass denial and stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS. The stigma against people affected by HIV/AIDS is so predominant that no one admits to having the disease or even having relatives who are sick. Currently, it seems people are aware of the transmission methods but are still not changing their behavior.