NGO stresses need to give particular attention to rural community in the fight against HIV/AIDS
MSH Oromia State Advisor, Dr. Minase Beyene, said at a training organized for health experts here that efforts should be made to help the rural community bring about behavioral change so as not to be decimated by the pandemic.
Though awareness raising education regarding the spread of the virus, VCT services and HIV/AIDS blood test are bringing about much change in most parts of the country, much remains ahead in the rural parts of the country, the advisor stressed.
Hence, experts in the field and non-governmental organizations ought to work jointly so as to address the problem, Dr. Minase stated.
Problems people face in hospitals have currently been solved following the provision of anti-retroviral drugs and VCT services in 71 health centers in the state, he added.
Trained medical professionals are in particular needed to provide various services to people living with the virus as well as closely follow up their health status, he said, adding that the government has been training experts towards this end.
Medical professionals undergoing the training would provide anti-HIV/AIDS treatment and related services in health centers established in rural areas upon completion of the training, it was pointed out.
Some 85 health officers and nurses drawn from health institutions in the state are in attendance at the one-month training, it was learnt.
