The national AIDS Resource Center (ARC) has a mandate to build capacity and sustain HIV/AIDS information and resource provision by expanding its unique services to all of Ethiopia’s 11 regions. These groundbreaking regional sites will replicate the activities and services of the national ARC in Addis Ababa. In partnership with the Oromia and national HAPCO, the national ARC, CDC and CCP are proud to launch the first of these regional centers in the Oromia Region in March 2005.

The Oromia ARC will be fully integrated into the Oromia HAPCO office where regional staff will receive orientation, training and ongoing technical support from the national ARC. The Oromia ARC and Oromia HAPCO office will be connected to the national ARC network for ease of information sharing and so that staff have immediate access to the ARC website and databases. This will enable staff to respond more effectively to the HIV/AIDS informational needs of local government and stakeholder activities.

Goals of the Oromia AIDS Resource Center

• Replicate the activities of the national ARC at the regional level. This includes providing up-to-date and accurate information on HIV/AIDS, STDs and TB, developing and distributing culturally appropriate behavior change communication materials, and gathering and distributing resource materials from other sources.
• Provide researchers, policy makers, health providers, media professionals and the general public with access to a high-tech Internet connection to conduct research on current health issues.
• Provide informational resource support to the projects and activities of the regional HAPCO and Health Bureau in HIV/AIDS, STDs and TB.
• Provide Ethiopia print and broadcast media with local perspectives and information on regional HIV/AIDS issues in Oromia.