Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Directorate

Mr. Alemayehu Getachew Aman, Multisectoral HIV/AIDS prevention and control directorate director

The Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Directorate under the Central Ethiopia Regional Health Bureau (CERHB) is responsible for leading, coordinating, and implementing the regional response to HIV/AIDS. This directorate plays a crucial role in reducing new HIV infections, improving the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), and integrating HIV/AIDS programs into broader health and development initiatives.

It operates through a multisectoral approach, engaging government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), health facilities, private sector partners, and development partners to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable HIV/AIDS response in the Central Ethiopia Region

Objectives of the Multisectoral HIV/AIDS prevention and control directorate:

Prevent New HIV Infections

  • Strengthen HIV prevention strategies, focusing on evidence-based biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions.
  • Promote HIV risk reduction interventions, including condom distribution, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
  • Conduct awareness and behavioral change communication (BCC) campaigns to promote safe sexual practices, particularly among youth and key populations.
  • Address social determinants of HIV risk, such as gender-based violence (GBV), stigma, and discrimination.

Expand and Strengthen HIV Testing, Treatment, and Care Services

  • Increase access to HIV Testing Services (HTS) through facility- and community-based approaches.
  • Ensure timely initiation and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for PLHIV to achieve viral suppression.
  • Integrate HIV testing in maternal and child health (MCH) services, including Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT).
  • Improve Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and treatment for HIV-positive children.
  • Strengthen HIV-TB co-infection management by integrating services at health facilities.

Strengthen Multisectoral and Community-Based HIV Response

  • Engage key government sectors (e.g., health, education, labor, social affairs, youth, and women’s affairs) in HIV/AIDS response.
  • Foster collaboration with CSOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), and the private sector to implement community-led HIV programs.
  • Integrate HIV interventions into broader health and social protection programs, including economic empowerment initiatives for PLHIV.

Improve Access to HIV Services for Key and Vulnerable Populations:

  • Implement targeted interventions for high-risk groups, including sex workers, truck drivers, men who have sex with men (MSM), prisoners, and people who inject drugs (PWID).
  • Provide stigma-free and confidential HIV services, ensuring human rights-based approaches.
  • Strengthen peer-led outreach programs to enhance service uptake among key populations.

Sustain Resource Mobilization and HIV/AIDS Financing

  • Advocate for increased domestic and international funding for HIV/AIDS programs in the region.
  • Strengthen financial management and accountability for HIV/AIDS resources.
  • Promote sustainable financing mechanisms, including health insurance and integration of HIV services into Universal Health Coverage (UHC).