ECSU Students Celebrate World AIDS Day
Ethiopian Civil Service University Institute of Leadership and Good Governance cross-cutting issue club students celebrated world AIDS Day by panel discussion on December 23, 2016 at Hidasse Hall.
On the panel discussion Ato Weldu Demo from Addis Ababa HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office presented a paper on “an overview of social and economical pressure HIV/AIDS exerted at the national level”. He also presented in detail the basic facts about HIV/AIDS, its transmission and prevalence since the recognition of the epidemic. In the case of Ethiopia there are many organizations rendering service in connection with HIV but still the targeted result has not been registered. Ethiopia is one of the vulnerable county to HIV/AIDS. As a result of many activities undertaken in the past years, the death rate in connection with HIV/AIDS has been decreased, Ato weldu said. Mainly due to the difference in social and cultural aspects, the prevalence rate has heterogeneous feature from region to region and there are some professions mostly vulnerable to HIV/ AIDS. With regard to gender prevalence female are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, Ato Weldu underscored. He also explained key approaches to reduce the prevalence at personal and community level. On his final remark, he pointed out there has been integrated strategic plan to end HIV/AIDS in 2030 by reaching affected people and giving them all the necessary services.
Participants on their part raised different points for discussion. Sometimes the data used for researches have no relevance to have objective findings. In some conditions the findings of the research and the reality may not match said the participants. Without knowing the statues of the total population it might be difficult to reach at general conclusion the participants added.
The decrease in death rate has created a misperception as a total eradication of the decrease from the country and to achieve the targeted goal in 2030 extensive efforts must be exerted to bring behavioral change at all level the participants underscored.
The day was celebrated with a theme hands up for HIV/AIDS prevention and on the occasion students, club members, teachers and invited guests have participated.