UN Agency Advocates for Better Healthcare for HIV-Positive Displaced Individuals in Ethiopia
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Addis Ababa, Dec 3 (NationPress) The United Nations has urged for unified efforts to enhance healthcare services for displaced individuals living with HIV in Ethiopia.
In a statement released on Monday in conjunction with World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) highlighted that Ethiopia is grappling with a triple crisis: conflict, climate change, and displacement, all of which hinder the provision of vital health and humanitarian aid to at-risk populations, including those affected by HIV.
The UN agency, referencing a recent joint mission in camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) in two of Ethiopia's regions most severely impacted by humanitarian emergencies and rising HIV rates, indicated that a significant gap exists in comprehensive healthcare, particularly for individuals living with HIV, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
It noted that during humanitarian crises, essential services related to HIV and sexual and reproductive health are frequently overlooked, overshadowed by the immediate requirements for food, shelter, and disease prevention.
“Healthcare is limited to primary services. Care for chronic conditions, such as HIV, is referred to government hospitals. This results in all patients, whether IDPs or not, needing to cover transportation costs as well as healthcare services and procure vital medical supplies independently—an overwhelming burden for many,” it stated.
The UNAIDS emphasized that as international organizations increase their efforts to tackle HIV in humanitarian contexts, there is a collective initiative in Ethiopia to ensure that the health necessities of individuals living with HIV are addressed, including those facing the most challenging situations.
“Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable, but only if global leaders commit to removing obstacles to healthcare and safeguarding human rights,” stated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a message on World AIDS Day.
