ETHIOPIA

The Covid-19 epidemic reached Ethiopia in March 2020 and by the end of 2021 the country had recorded over 372,000 confirmed cases and more than 68,000 deaths. The epicentre of the epidemic was the capital Addis Ababa. Areas of informal housing were most affected, but there was a failure to tailor communication about the virus to the practices and specific situations of the people living in these areas (slum dwellers and migrants from rural areas).

HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects certain groups in Ethiopia, especially sex workers, of whom 23% were HIV positive in 2021, according to UNAIDS. They are among those most at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, being subjected to violence and being excluded from basic social services. However, there are no reliable official data on the numbers of sex workers in Ethiopia, nor on how many of them have experienced gender-based violence (GBV).

In 2021:

• 680 births were attended by qualified healthcare staff
• 2,765 children under 5 were treated for malaria, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections
• 9,072 new consultations were provided
• 710 women of child-bearing age benefited from family planning services
• Intensifying local Covid-19 prevention and response work

This project was designed to improve infection prevention measures at healthcare facilities and quarantine centres, increase training for healthcare staff and support communities in combating Covid-19, with a particular focus on those people identified as most vulnerable.

In addition, in Afar Region, protection measures were implemented for the most vulnerable, especially women, children and young people at risk of GBV.

• 12 healthcare facilities and quarantine centres were supported to improve their infection prevention measures
• 849 people received healthcare services and/or psychosocial support
• 11 672 units of soap / hand gel were distributed
• 7 252 people received a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine

The aim of the project is to reduce the risks and promote respect for the fundamental rights of sex workers along the route between Addis Ababa and Djibouti. It’s a busy transport corridor used by large numbers of truckers and many vulnerable people are engaged in sex work there.

The project provides access to sexual and reproductive health services (information, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS testing, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis and anti-retroviral treatment, access to family planning and services combating sexual violence). In addition, psychological support, legal services and training are also offered through the project.

In 2021:

• 3,033 sex workers engaged with the project
• 697 sex workers received biomedical services
• 90% of sex workers had an HIV test
• 141,109 condoms were distributed