25.2.3  National community mobilisation strategies for HIV

The Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) advocates community mobilisation approaches for the prevention, control and treatment of HIV/AIDS. In general, this involves conducting an ongoing community dialogue about HIV/AIDS-related problems. Key strategies are to enable the community to establish or strengthen groups of individuals, associations and other community organisations aimed at preventing HIV infection and improving the health and quality of life for PLHIV. Community mobilisation in HIV/AIDS serves its purpose by empowering the community, and creating an opportunity to identify and solve the community’s health problems using their own resources.

The process of engaging with the community at each stage creates locally appropriate responses, and supports the creative potential of communities to develop a variety of strategies and approaches to HIV/AIDS. Bringing various groups of the community together enhances community participation in ways that recognise diversity and equity, particularly of those who are most affected by HIV/AIDS. One of its core values is preventing discrimination and stigmatisation of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and providing continual support.

By utilising influential groups in the community, mobilisation creates a positive model for all behaviours and practices related to HIV/AIDS. It also fosters linking communities with external resources like NGOs and other funding institutions for technical and financial assistance. The FMOH recognises that committing enough time and resources to work with communities and partners is necessary to achieve the goals of community mobilisation for HIV prevention.