U.S. Committed to Strengthen HIV Counseling and Testing in Ethiopia

Thursday September 10, 2009, Addis Ababa – In connection with the National HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Day in Ethiopia, the United State Government renews its commitment to support the Government of Ethiopia’s goal of universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment by focusing on HIV counseling and testing (HCT) in urban and peri-urban areas and selected rural areas.
   
The U.S. government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been the lead partner in strengthening and expanding HCT services in Ethiopia. The U.S. government has assisted the federal and regional governments since 2001 and will continue to offer support to strengthen and improve coordination of HCT programs and services.

The U.S. government views HCT programs as key entry points into HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.  HCT programs enable HIV positive persons to be referred to mother-to child prevention programs, anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment programs, and other care and support services.  In addition, HCT programs can also provide links to services for orphans and vulnerable children.

PEPFAR Ethiopia has worked with both the public and private sectors at hospitals, health centers, model centers, and stand-alone voluntary counseling and testing sites to strengthen the capacity of local organizations, including government, civil society and private organizations. The PEPFAR Ethiopia Semi Annual report documents that a total of 1,377,672 people were tested in PEPFAR- supported sites in the first half of 2009.

PEPFAR support has already strengthened and extended health systems in areas such as human resources, infrastructure, informatics, commodities logistics, and laboratory services.

The goal of HIV counseling and testing is to prevent the transmission of HIV from people who test positive for the virus to untested or negative partners, including transmission from mothers who test positive to their children.  Counseling and testing also helps HIV-positive people to receive early and appropriate support and treatment, and improves adherence to anti-retroviral drugs and preventive therapies.

The fight against the global AIDS epidemic is a centerpiece of the foreign policy and global health agenda outlined by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

On July 30, 2009 the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 was signed into law.  This act expands the U.S. Government commitment to the Presidents Emergency Fund for AIDFS Relief for five additional years, from 2009 through 2013.  The Act increased the U.S. financial commitment to the fight against global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, authorizing  up to $48 billion to support existing and new programs.