PSP Ethiopia Project Launched: Workplace Efforts Recognized to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis

PSP Ethiopia is a four-year task order under the PSP IQC designed to expand access to the affordable and high-quality private sector healthcare packages for moderate- and low-income individuals and workplaces, and focusing primarily on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis-related issues.

The project, funded in part by U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), began in 2004 with the official project launch taking place on February 7, 2006 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Among those in attendance to support the launch of the new project were her Excellency Janet Wilgus, the U.S. Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID Mission Director Bill Hammick, Chief Technical Officer Brad Corner and representatives from 31 companies including the Chief Executive Officer's of major corporations including Ethiopian Airlines, Power Corp and major foreign-owned companies such as MIDROC. The event had an excellent turnout and generated praise and support from all.

Results from this program include participating companies linking peer education with testing for HIV and TB, nutrition counseling and medical products. These services have reduced absence from work and improve the health of employees living with HIV/AIDS, enabling them to continue working to support their families. PSP Ethiopia has reached 30,000 employees and family members in 34 workplaces and continues with plans to expand coverage to companies and private clinics.

Ambassador presents certificates of recognition.

"The numbers of employees and family members who have benefited by the steps these companies have taken are impressive," said Janet Wilgus, the U.S. Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission. "With 1.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, there is no backing down against HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis awareness."

The project is being implemented by an Abt Associates led consortium, including PSI, IntraHealth, and Banyan Global working together with important local companies and stakeholder organizations, and the Ministries of Health and Labor.

Yoseph Burka is Abt Chief of Party. Bethesda staff include Paurvi Bhatt, Nadia Khan, and Kokeb Kassaye. For more information about the project go to the PSP Ethiopia Summary Page. For more information about the launch event read the US Embassy press release.