Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 24, 2003
Ethiopia has the third-highest number of people in the world living with the HIV virus, but is now receiving massive financial support - around US $200 million - to combat its spread. "It could have spread like a forest fire, but a great deal has been done, and we are going in the right direction," said Getachew.
His comments coincided with UN Day, when senior officials of 13 different UN agencies in Ethiopia gave an account of the successes they had achieved and what more needed to be done.
Sam Nyambi, the UN country representative, told journalists that many challenges remained in Ethiopia, one of the world's 10 poorest countries. However, he said, "If you look at the situation in Ethiopia, you must ask what would have happened if this totality of efforts - from the government, the partners, the UN - had not been there. Obviously the country would be in a much more worse-off situation".
Bjorn Ljungqvist, who heads the UN's Children's Fund, said that greater financial resources needed to be made available to the country. Ethiopia receives only US $12 per capita, whereas the African per capita average is $25.
He went on to note that the country's human resource of 70 million people had been massively under-utilised. "In a country where education has so often been left behind, how can you have the human resources to be able to address all the multiple challenges of development?" he asked.
031024
IR031029
Copyright © 2003 - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Integrated Regional Information Network. .
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980 – 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .