Action
UNICEF's HIV/AIDS programme works nationwide to provide technical, financial and material support to the HIV/AIDS Council Secretariats at national and regional levels. In addition, the section works with the Ministry of Health (for PMTCT), the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to support the National OVC Task Force to scale-up OVC programming. • Youth Prevention: Partnerships with youth clubs throughout the country to increase youth participation and leadership in HIV/AIDS programs, including adaptation of the "community conversation" methodology for youth. Launching of the National Youth Task Force to increase leadership and co-ordination. Initiation of youth-friendly VCT services in six youth centre sites. Engagement of university students in HIV/AIDS prevention and peer education. • PMTCT: UNICEF has played a leading role in launching PMTCT in Ethiopia. In 2003, UNICEF supported the first PMTCT services outside Addis Ababa within four initial hospital sites. UNICEF is a partner in the US Government PMTCT Initiative and services are currently available in 27 health facilities (14 hospitals and 13 health centres). An additional 20 satellite sites are planned. • OVC: UNICEF has played a significant role in bringing the rights of orphans to the fore via regional and national level consultations, mapping of best practices, capacity building of government, NGOs and Community Based Organisations and development of a draft National Action Plan for OVCs that will soon be formalised for implementation by the National OVC Task Force. • Faith-Based Organisations: UNICEF worked with UNDP and UNAIDS to partner with all four major religious institutions in Ethiopia to conduct the first National Religious AIDS Week in 2003. Each institution conducted activities as part of religious services and within the community throughout the country, Religions leaders spoke on the need for Faith-Based Organisations to discourage stigma and discrimination. • HIV/AIDS and Emergency Response: During 2003, UNICEF led efforts to integrate HIV/AIDS education as part of the emergency response to the drought in three regions (SNNP, Somali and Amhara).
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