President Girma holds talks with UN Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS

Addis Ababa, May 20(ENA)-- President Girma Woldegiorgis has announced that an Antiretroviral Drugs' (ARV) Administration detailed guideline will soon be enforced.

President Girma made the announcement here on Thursday while holding talks with the UN Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS, Stephen Lewis. Girma told Lewis that the preparation of the detailed guideline on the administration of ARVs is being finalized.

The Ethiopian Government has plans to see ARVs manufactured in the country as part of its endeavors to prevent the spread of the disease, Girma said.

At the discussions focusing on HIV/AIDS and Food Security, President Girma told the special envoy that HIV/AIDS has not been the cause for food insecurity in Ethiopia. Food insecurity in the country has been caused mainly by rain failures, he said.

The HIV/AIDS intervention activities in Ethiopia have been underway in a participatory manner and focusing on the grassroots, Head of Advocacy and Coordination Department with the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO) who is also Global Fund Coordinator Dr. Teklu Belay quoted the President as saying.

Dr. Teklu said the Global Fund has approved a 55 million US Dollars support for a two-year HIV/AIDS prevention activities in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Government has made a request for a 420 million Dollars support for a five year sustainable prevention activities including ARV administration, TB and Malaria prevention as well as care and support as per the call by the Global Fund, he said.

Decision is expected to be made on Ethiopia's request at the Fund's Geneva Meeting in June, he indicated.

Lewis told journalists that prevention activities should be carried out in an integrated manner as the disease affects all sectors.

The UN is providing considerable support and is working closely with the Ethiopian government in the HIV/AIDS intervention activities in Ethiopia, Lewis said.

Lewis said he held discussions with President Girma in a wide range of issues including the role of women in the prevention of the HIV/AIDS.

During his five-day stay here, Lewis will look at community based activities in various parts of the country and will hold talks with senior government officials.

Lewis arrived here later on Wednesday.