Providing an extensive range of information services on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and tuberculosis (TB).
Infection with HIV/AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate throughout Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health estimates that 7.3% of adults are already infected with this deadly virus (2000). Access to current and accurate information is essential to control the spread of HIV/AIDS. New information and research on HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and tuberculosis (TB) emerge daily. For maximum effectiveness, government policies, media coverage and health programs should reflect the current trends in HIV/AIDS and related issues. The AIDS Resource Center (ARC) in Addis Ababa serves as Ethiopia's premier source of HIV/AIDS information. The ARC is a central repository and clearinghouse for the most up-to-date and accurate local and international multimedia materials on HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB, as well as a range of associated issues. These resources provide crucial information to a broad audience, ranging from health and policy professionals to the general public.
A variety of materials, services, and equipment is available to users while visiting the ARC.
The ARC, with assistance from local HIV/AIDS stakeholders, identifies priority HIV/AIDS topics and messages for local materials development. The ARC is developing a set of high-quality, culturally appropriate behavior change communication (BCC) materials covering topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV transmission, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), care and support of orphans and persons living with HIV, and living positively with HIV/AIDS.
The ARC features a computerized tracking system that allows organizations to request local and international HIV/AIDS, STD, and TB materials for dissemination purposes.
"Wegen AIDS Talkline" is a national service providing up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS, referrals and counseling to callers. The Talkline, launched in December 2004, provides a wide range of information on HIV/AIDS, including voluntary counseling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and possible avenues for treatment including anti-retroviral therapy and rapid referrals free of charge to callers across the country. The service is free from any landline telephone in the country and can be reached by dialing 952 Monday through Saturday 8:00 am - 12 midnight.
Betengna, a new radio diaries program in Ethiopia, is a captivating and practical way of addressing the issues of stigmatization and marginalization that many PLHA face, and in dealing with the generally low perception of the severity and individual and communal susceptibility to HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia. The radio program is a series of self-narrated stories of the everyday lives and experiences of PLHA. Click here to read more about Betengna. Click here to download and listen to the diaries.
Use of the ARC and its materials and services is available free of charge to users affiliated with any government agency, media organization, or NGO that is involved with HIV/AIDS, STDs, TB, or related issues. Researchers, university students, and consultants working in these areas also qualify for these benefits.
After completing an application and providing evidence of professional affiliation, qualified users are issued a membership card permitting them to use all ARC services.
Although priority will be given to government, health, and media professionals, non-members, including the general public, are also welcome to utilize the ARC.