Ethiopia and HIV / AIDS Ethiopia is a nation that has been severely afflicted by the HIV / AIDS pandemic . The first case of HIV was reported in 1984 . Since then , an entire generation of child-bearing age and child-raising age adults have been decimated .
In 2007 , the estimated adult HIV / AIDS prevalence was 2.1 percent and today it remains a major development challenge . Poverty , food
This painting was done by 14-year-old Rachel , an HIV + girl living in an orphanage in Ethiopia . Credit : www . hadassah . org
shortages , and other socio-economic factors amplify the impact . In 2009 , estimates indicate that approximately 1.1 million people in Ethiopia were living with HIV , with 73,000 of them being children ( A Hope for Children ).
Ethiopia ' s Orphans Ethiopia also has one of the largest populations of orphans in the world - 13 % of children throughout the country are missing one or both parents . This represents an estimated 4.6 million children , with 800,000 of them orphaned by HIV / AIDS , and the numbers are steadily increasing . Other factors are famine , conflict , and disease ( non- HIV / AIDS ).
When it comes to the care of these orphans and vulnerable children ( OVC ), there are major challenges in alleviating the impact . Support and care for orphans primarily fall on extended family or the community , yet they often lack the means for care . When an extended family member or
ADVOCACY proposed guardian is unwilling or unable to care for these children , they are forced to live on the streets . Very few homes will take in orphans who are HIV + ( A Hope for Children ).
Despite challenges , progress has been made . There are many organizations , including the U . S . President ’ s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( PEPFAR ) that support , protect , and care for children affected by HIV and AIDS - but more has to be done .
The information in this article skims the surface of the impact HIV / AIDS has had on the world . Although the numbers seem frightening , there is still , hope .
Everyone has a responsibility to take measures to minimize their risk of contracting HIV and know his / her own HIV / AIDS status .
Today and at all times , the message should be clear - without medical care , HIV leads to AIDS , a disease that has claimed the lives of millions of people since the epidemic started . The threat is far from over , and we all must stand against HIV / AIDS together to prevent the spread ( All Africa ).
Do you know your HIV / AIDS status ? Get tested today .
Take action and get involved . Support organizations that support orphans in Ethiopia and around the world .
• Hanna ' s Orphan Home www . senaiglobal . org
• A Hope For Children ( in Africa ) www . ahopeforchildren . org
Support and help UNAIDS continue to saves lives from the impact of HIV / AIDS www . donations . unaids . org
Sources : PEPFAR & Global AIDS www . aids . gov
CDC : The Global HIV and AIDS Epidemic www . cdc . gov / mmwr / preview / mmwrhtml / mm5021a3 . htm
UNDP : Responding to the HIV Epidemic in Ethiopia www . undp . gov
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ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2017
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