AAU Commemorates World HIV/AIDS Day
With focus on preventing HIV infection, especially among young people, the vulnerable and those at risk, Addis Ababa University commemorated the 31st World AIDS Day with a theme “Know Your Status!” on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
The event was co-organized by the University’s HIV/AIDS prevention and control office (AAU-HAPCO), the Africa AIDS Initiative International and Addis Ababa City Administration HIV Prevention and Control Bureau. University students, invited guests and staff members were in attendance.
Messay G/Mariam (Ph.D.), Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, in his welcoming speech noted that World AIDS Day is a special day when we all take leadership and vow to prevent and control the disease. He further noted that the university has mainstreamed the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS by establishing an office and placing human capital working on awareness creation, counseling and care of those who have contracted the virus in the university.
The day aimed to create awareness among students and the University community about HIV/AIDS.
The event featured a panel discussion and drama by students of the School of Theatrical Arts, AAU that showcased campus life and “knowing HIV status.”
Mrs. Berthilde Gahongayire, UNAIDS country Director, said that the understanding, treatment and awareness of HIV/AIDS have come a long way since the conditions were first recognized. She, however, warned that the number of infected people will sharply increase, especially among the youth of Sub-Saharan Countries, unless more work is done. In addition to her, Dr. Tsigereda Kifle, Director General of Federal HAPCO and Sister Birzaf Gebru, Head of the Addis Ababa City administration HAPCO delivered key note speeches.
World AIDS Day is held on December 1 each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died.