Ethiopiaid has been working with Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM) since 1994 to address the huge problem of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

In 2007, it was estimated that 980,000 people (2.1% of adults) in Ethiopia were living with HIV/AIDS. In the same year, 126,000 people were infected by HIV/AIDS and 67,000 people died from HIV/AIDS.

Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) - which significantly delay the progression of HIV to AIDS and allow people living with HIV to live relatively normal, healthy lives - have been available in more developed parts of the world for over 10 years. However, the distribution of these drugs requires money, a well-structured health system and a sufficient supply of healthcare workers. Ethiopia is lacking in these areas and is struggling to cope with the increasing number of people requiring treatment.

An opportunity for change

In 2005, the Ethiopian Government decided to offer antiretroviral drugs free of charge. This was a huge and long-awaited step in the country's fight against HIV/AIDS. With Ethiopiaid's support, MMM's aim is to maximise the use and effectiveness of these drugs.

MMM's laboratory - used for both diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS

MMM runs a laboratory which is used for both diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Ethiopiaid donated money for a CD-4 blood count machine to improve their testing facilities. MMM can now provide a full HIV-diagnostic service to their beneficiaries.

Those who come for testing are offered counselling on arrival. If they are found to be infected, they are referred directly to local hospitals for ARVs without the need for re-testing. To ensure these drugs are used to best effect, the staff at MMM then monitor patients to ensure that the medication is being taken correctly. They also provide continual care and support to those in need.

Many of those taking ARVs receive money from MMM to buy food to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. When needed, patients are also helped with house repairs or rent and are given blankets, bed sheets, and mattresses. Once they have regained their strength they are encouraged to start skills training, including trading and weaving. Some patients have started an urban gardening scheme. Participants grow vegetables and sell the surplus, creating a small income stream for themselves. This has been running for six months and has 60 participants.

This integrated approach, which takes into account the social needs of patients, is not something that the Ethiopian health care system is able to offer.

Prevention is better than cure

MMM also run an HIV/AIDS education program for schools and organisations in Addis Ababa. The project staff have found that general awareness on transmission and prevention is relatively high. Therefore, they concentrate on lesser known issues including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and misconceptions relating to ARV usage, such as the belief that you must stop taking the drugs if you wish to go to Holy water.

With Ethiopiaid's support, MMM is able to tackle HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia from all angles; prevention, detection and treatment. We aim to help MMM make the most of the government's decision to provide ARVs to those in need but we can only continue to do this with your support.

Case Study