Population Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey Officially Launched
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in collaboration with partners officially launched the Ethiopian Population Based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA) research project on September 30, 2017 at the presence of FDRE Ministry of Health’s Minister Prof. Yifiru Birhan.
EPHIA is a project which is led by EPHI, financially supported by the US government and with technical support of Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Colombia University.
Dr. Ebba Abate Director General of EPHI in his welcoming speech said that EPHI’s contribution has been immense and very significant for the result the country achieved in reduction of mortality and morbidity related to the infection.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express EPHI’s strong commitment and readiness to lead the implementation of this important project and enable to complete the project within the given time and quality,” added Dr. Ebba.
The data for the research will be collected by professionals who got additional training for the project and data will be collected from 25000 children and adults found in 12000 households who are selected by lottery method.
Minister of Health Prof. Yifiru Birhan when officially launching the survey indicated that this survey includes many parts of the public which makes it the first of its kind in the country. Because during the last three decades we have been using the three principles to prevent HIV; abstinence, be faithful and use condom, but now to be checked and to be treated have been added. Using these two principles transmission of the infection can be reduced by 96% as the patient will start using medication after checking, minimize the infection’s transmission and will live a healthy longer life. So this survey will contribute a great deal for these.