National monitoring and evaluation framework for the multi-sectorial response to HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia

Abstract

The first evidence of HIV infection in Ethiopia was recognized in the early 1980’s. The first two AIDS cases were reported in 1986. Since then, the disease has spread at an alarming rate. Currently, the Country is home to the third largest HIV/AIDS infected population next to India and South Africa. According to a recent report by the Ministry of Health, a total of 2.2 million people are estimated to live with the HIV virus, of which 200,000 are AIDS cases. Evidences show the adverse effects of HIV/AIDS on life expectancy. HIV/AIDS resulted in a life expectancy of 46 years instead of 53 years in 2001 (a decline by 7 years). If the spread of the disease is not checked, by 2014, the life expectancy at birth is estimated to be 9 years below projected life expectancy had there been no HIV/AIDS (MoH 2002).