DECEMBER 1/2003

Of some 70 people who die of AIDS every 15 minutes three are Ethiopian. The deadly virus that is spreading unchecked and affecting specially the young Ethiopians has infected some 4 million people.

A close scrutiny of the AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia highlights the grave responsibilities of the EPRDF in power that has been paying lip service to mounting an effective anti-AIDS campaign while making all efforts to turn a profit from all actions against the epidemic. The right of the people to basic healthcare is fundamental but the EPRDF has deprived the people of such necessary health care, has practiced ethnic discrimination in the health field, dismantled an effective anti AIDS national organism and favored the proliferation of the practices which militate in favour of the spread of AIDS. Top government officials have patronized special clubs where minors and teenagers have engaged in prostitution. Top government officials have been accused of being behind the drug sellers and the introduction of hard drugs into the country. Brothels have proliferated and child prostitution turned into a lucrative business and, with the increase in poverty and unemployment, the youth has been exposed to the hopelessness and desperation that makes taking care or worrying about one's well being difficult. With more than 52% of the EPRDF army members said to be HIV infected, the free rein given to the soldiers has also exposed the rural women to the AIDS virus. Numerous generals and party officials are suffering from AIDS and getting special treatment while a lid of secrecy is maintained.

In other words, when we talk of AIDS in Ethiopia it is hard to avoid condemning the EPRDF for neglecting the fight against the virus and for violating the human and basic rights of the Ethiopian people.

SOPCEPP