World AIDS Day and White Ribbon Day Celebrated
ECSU community celebrated World AIDS Day and White Ribbon Day on December 9, 2015 colorfully by different activities at Hidase Hall. Educational and entertaining programs were presented in the ceremony and more than 250 guests (staff, teachers and students) attended the program.
In his opening speech, Dr. Mulugeta Debebe ,Vice President of Training and Consultancy, recalled the history of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia and the responses that has been given by the Ethiopian government for the past three decades. He reminded the Year’s moto “Zero Infection, Zero Death and Zero Discrimination” and reiterated the need to behave accordingly in order to successfully accomplish the moto. He said HIV/AIDS is not only a health problem; because of this the government considered it as priority and planed health policy to control and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Shimelis Gebeyheu, a guest speaker from DKT-Ethiopia said : “we can make HIV/AIDS ‘tale’ and everyone is going to tell to their children”
” There is a better level of awareness among PLWHA which could be witnessed by the minimal number of deaths due to AIDS. On the contrary, the level of awareness of the people who are not living with the virus is not matured as expected. Hence, PLWHA are still suffering from stigma and discrimination . “said life testimony ,who has been living with the virus for the last ten years.
Panel discussions held by panelists; Ms. Abay Akemachew, Director of CCITC and Ms. Wubalem Arefaine, Head of HIV/AIDS Management Unit (HAMU) respectively with the title –‘The basic facts of HIV/AIDS and Prevention Mechanisms’ and ‘History of White Ribbon Day and Its role towards eliminating violence against women.’
Ms. Abay stated that the day is celebrated by calling men across the world to speak out and take an oath “I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.”
The panel presentation followed by active discussion on issues raised by participants. The panelists addressed questions and comments raised by participants.
Different entertaining programs ( Music ,Drama by ECSU female students ,Poem Contest and Question and Answer competition) presented to the participants and awarded prizes to the winner of the competitions.
This Year moto for World AIDS Day is “Zero Infection, Zero Death and Zero Discrimination” . World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 each year around the world to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.