HIV/AIDS service provision in Ethiopia

Evidence from service provision assessment plus survey Article

Abstract

Introduction: The epidemic of HIV/AIDS has rapidly spread throughout the country after the detection of the first two reported AIDS cases in 1986 in Ethiopia. There are multiple factors for combating the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.  Service availability and readiness are among the factors.

Objective: To assess the availability and preparedness of health facilities in Ethiopia to provide quality HIV/AIDS services.

Methods: The data used in this study came from the 2014 Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment Plus survey. Data were collected using a facility inventory questionnaire. All hospitals were included in the survey. A total of 363 health facilities were selected. The sample for the survey was a stratified random sample designed. Health posts were excluded from this analysis.

Result: Among all health facilities, 59% of them report having an HIV testing system in the facility or else agreed to the external testing site (or in affiliated laboratory). Out of that, 97%, 27%, and 17% of facilities offer opportunistic disease treatment, HIV/AIDS care and support services, and ART for HIV/AIDS patients respectively. Concerning the trained staff on HIV testing, 47% HIV testing service providers received in-service training during 24 months preceding the survey. As well, 31% of Ethiopian health facilities have Post Exposure Prophylaxis service for HIV that can be accessed by their staff working in the facilities.

Conclusion: HIV testing system in Ethiopia was low. Less than half of the HIV testing service providers received in-service training. Similarly, more than 2/3 of health facilities workers did not have access to PEP.