Addis Ababa City played host to a two-day advocacy conference and training focused on the current situation and response to HIV/AIDS. The event, held from April 23 to 24, 2024, took place at Adama and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa City Government Health Bureau, and the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF).
Prominent figures from various sectors came together to address the pressing issue of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Among the distinguished attendees were H.E. Mrs. Roman Tesfaye, the Former First Lady of Ethiopia and CEO of the HRF, Mr. Fikadu Yadeta, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Lead Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Kesis Tagay, Secretary-General of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, Mrs. Hangetu Mohammed, Deputy Head of the Addis Ababa Health Bureau, religious leaders of Addis Ababa City, and a Member of the Council of the Addis Ababa City Administration.
Participants engaged in insightful discussions, and training sessions, all geared towards enhancing the response to this critical public health challenge. As part of the conference, the role of religious leaders and representatives of the communities in educating their members about HIV/AIDS was highly stressed in order to reduce the impact of the virus in the city administration.
The conference emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that addresses prevention, treatment, care, and support for affected individuals and communities. By fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge, the conference has laid the groundwork for more effective interventions and policies.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to address HIV/AIDS with renewed vigor and achieving the goal of combating HIV/AIDS. The knowledge shared and connections forged during the conference are expected to have a lasting impact on the development and to drive tangible progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, not only in Addis Ababa City but throughout Ethiopia
Hailemariam & Roman Foundation
April 2024, Adama, Ethiopia