Addis Ababa, April 19(ENA)--TILA, an association of women Living with HIV, and the first ever-national association was officially inaugurated here on Saturday.

President Girma Wolde Giorgis, former president Negasso Gidada, senior officials of the South Ethiopia peoples' state and invited guests attended the inaugural of the association pioneered by former Down of Hope member, Berhane Kelkay.

In his opening speech president Girma called for the support of governmental and non-governmental organizations for the association's success.

The president pledged the government's assistance in the effort of the associations to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS along with other affiliate institutions.

The objectives of the association include, curtailing dependency, putting an end to stigma and discrimination as well as minimizing women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection.

TILA head, Berhane Kelkay said on the occasion her association would exert maximum effort in providing HIV-positive women with the necessary training and counseling so as to enabling them to turn out and help break the silence.

State administration Chief, Hailemariam Desalegn on his part expressed conviction that the association would augment and supplement the activities of HIV/AIDS prevention and control secretariat.

Various programs befitting the event were staged by children and association members during the event.

TILA received its legal status from the state's justice bureau a year ago.

(END)