Towards achieving the fast-track targets and ending the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: Successes and challenges

Abstract

BackgroundEthiopia has adopted the global plan to end the epidemic of HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to assess the progress made towards achieving this plan. MethodsA review and analysis of national population-based surveys, surveillance, and routine programme data was executed. The data analysis was conducted using Excel 2016 and Stata 14 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). ResultsBetween 2011 and 2016, the number of HIV-related deaths dropped by 58%, while that of new HIV infections dropped by only 6%. Discriminatory attitudes declined significantly from 77.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.3–78.4%) in 2011 to 41.5% (95% CI 40.6–42.4%) in 2016. Around 79% of adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) were aware of their HIV status; 90% of PLHIV who were aware of their HIV status were taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 88% of adult PLHIV on ART had viral suppression in 2016. The proportion of people aged 15–49 years who had ever been tested for HIV and had received results increased from 39.8% (95% CI 39.2–40.4%) in 2011 to 44.8% (95% CI 44.2–45.4%) in 2016. This proportion was very low among children below age 15 years at only 6.2% (95% CI 5.9–6.5%). Among regions, HIV testing coverage varied from 13% to 72%. Female sex workers had lower coverage for HIV testing (31%) and ART (70%) than the national average in the adult population. International funding for HIV dropped from more than US$ 1.3 billion in 2010–2012 to less than US$ 800 million in 2016–2018. ConclusionsEthiopia is on track to achieve the targets for HIV testing, ART, viral suppression, and AIDS-related deaths, but not for reductions in new HIV infections, discriminatory attitudes, and equity. Ending the epidemic of HIV/AIDS requires a combined response, including prevention and treatment, tailored to key populations and locations, as well as increased funding.