U.S.-Sponsored Workshop Fights HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Vulnerability

October 22, 2008 Addis Abba (U.S. Embassy) – Ato Abdissa Yadetta, Minister of State for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will open tomorrow’s conference on “Social Aspects of HIV and Reproductive Health Vulnerability in Ethiopia” at the Lalibela Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel.  The one day conference will also feature keynote addresses by USAID Mission Director Glenn Anders and Ms. Helen Amdemikael, Assistant Representative of the UNFPA.
 
Co-sponsored by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Population Council, the October 22 conference will address social issues that make Ethiopians more vulnerable to negative health outcomes such as HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancies, and sexual violence.  By examining research findings and programmatic examples, conference attendees will be better informed and better able to shape programs for Ethiopia’s most vulnerable populations.
 
This conference is especially timely given that the Ministry of Health just concluded its Annual Review Meeting, which identified areas in which programs need improvement, especially as they pertain to women and maternal health.  The United States Government continues to support efforts by the Ethiopian Government and other stake holders in the struggle against HIV/AIDS through PEPFAR, USAID, and its implementing partners.