Sensitization workshop held on the designed Most at Risk Populations Survey

The Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, EHNRI, in collaboration with partners’ conducts Sensitization workshop on the planned survey of Most at Risk Population from 21 to 22 September 2012, at the Capital of Amhara Regional State, Bahir dar, Avanti Blue Nile hotel 

During the opening session of the workshop,  the Deputy Head of Amhara Regional State Health Bureau, Ato Ali Gebeyehu say that most at risk population are key population in the fight against HIV pandemic worldwide and updated information on this key population particularly that can show the magnitude of the infection, risk factors in relation to behavioral and socio economic backgrounds, mobility and migration nature will inform and benefit policy makers and program implementers to make evidence based  decision and act according to the findings. 

‘’The Amhara Regional Health Bureau, as one of the beneficiaries of the findings of this nationwide survey and surveillance, will cooperate and actively participate in all aspect of this important survey and the development process of strong surveillance system in the country’ added Ato Ali

Dr Amha Kebede, Acting Director General of EHNRI, on his opening remark said that EHNEI is working in very important health agendas, especially in generating evidences for decision making in diverse areas such HIV, TB, Malaria and others.   

According to Dr Amha, due to the involvement they have or the nature of the work they are engaged in, there is absence of data on more at risk populations with high risk behavior, as a result, the HIV prevention program lacks critical evidence to develop effective strategies and measurements to address the epidemic and thereby reduce the risk to transmission to the population.

“The overall goal of this activity is to establish surveillance   system to monitor HIV prevalence and related risk behaviors among key populations to increase the availability of information to better inform national HIV prevention and control efforts in Ethiopia” said Dr Amha 

Dr Amha Kebede has also thanked CDC-Ethiopia for the financial and technical support provided and EPHA for providing all the administrative support and all implementing partners for all their contribution.  

During the opening session of the workshop key note address were also made by different speakers including representatives of FHAPCO, CDC-ETHIOPIA, EPHA and CDC-ETHIOPIA  

Participants who represent different governmental and nongovernmental organizations including RHB, RHAPCO, Regional Women and children affairs, Regional social affairs, and development and implementation partners have participated in the workshop.