Abstract:
The emergence of the HIV epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges the world has ever seen
in recent history. In the last three decades HIV has spread rapidly and affected all sectors of society- young
people and adults, men and women, and the rich and the poor. Sub-Saharan Africa is at the epicentre
of the epidemic and continues to carry the full brunt of its health and socioeconomic impact. Ethiopia is
among the countries most affected by the HIV epidemic. With an estimated adult prevalence of 1.5%, it has
a large number of people living with HIV (approximately 800,000); and about 1 million AIDS orphans.
