Oromia HIV/AIDS Prevention,Control Office intensifies efforts to curb HIV/AIDS
Addis, March 4, 2006 (wic) - The Oromia HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office said it has intensified efforts from state to woreda level to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. Office Head, Dr. Ibrahim Ame, told WIC yesterday that the office has so far provided awareness raising education to people residing in 245 woredas with a view to mitigating the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
Dr. Ibrahim said the office has also carried out intensive works to eradicate harmful traditional practices such as abduction, rape and polygamy that expose people to HIV/AIDS.
The number of HIV/ AIDS testing centers in Oromia has increased to 156 this year from only 109 last year,he said,adding that efforts are underway to increase the number to 200 until the coming June. He further stated that over 61,000 people have undergone voluntary HIV testing during the last six months.
According to Dr.Ibrahim, efforts are being exerted to employ assistant staffs and additional professionals to offices from state up to woreda level so as to contain the virus from spreading to rural areas.
The Head noted that the contribution of woreda and zonal leadership in the prevention of the virus has been minimal and problems have been observed in utilization of funds obtained from donors.
Dr.Ibrahim has also indicated that his office plans to provide farmer-centered awareness raising education in the coming four months and added that support will also be provided for people living with the virus and organized in associations.
