)With an estimated 1.7 million people (54% in rural areas; 112,000 children) infected with HIV in 2005, Ethiopia now has the fifth largest population of HIV-infected people in the world. An estimated 4.7% (3% rural; 12.5% urban) of adults aged 15 to 49 are infected with HIV. About 680,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS and the total population lost to AIDS now exceeds 1.3 million. The loss and HIV/AIDS-related morbidity of Ethiopian citizens in the most productive years of their lives have a detrimental impact on economic growth, development, and stability of the country.
We, the artists, cognizant of the impact HIV/AIDS on Ethiopia’s future have partnered with the U.S. Government (USG) in the realization of the Music for Life CD Project as our contribution to the fight against this devastating pandemic. The USG under President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) - a $15 billion, 5-year program - has taken major steps to reduce the global impact of HIV/AIDS working with specific countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean including Ethiopia. PEPFAR aims to address HIV primary prevention; care, support, and treatment; and strengthen health systems and infrastructure.
The Music for Life CD Project was funded by PEPFAR through one of its implementing agencies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The objectives are to raise the level of knowledge of the community about HIV/AIDS and its impacts; to reduce the denial, stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS; to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support; and to encourage artists to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The CD entitled “We Shall Survive” consists of fourteen songs sung and produced by 39 of the finest Ethiopian artists residing in the United States and Ethiopia. The production has taken over one and half years and was recorded both in the U.S. and Ethiopia. The lyrics revolving around various thematic areas related to HIV/AIDS were scientifically pre-tested among various focus groups including youth and people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.
The songs encourage the listener to delay initiation of sexual debut; remain faithful to one partner; use condoms consistently and correctly; give value to one’s life; care for children as they are the future generation; get tested for the sake of self, family, children, and companion; to avoid stigmatizing and discriminating against people infected with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS; support people living with HIV/AIDS and their families; to live positively if HIV-infected; understand AIDS as everyone’s problem; to join and win the battle against AIDS, and to honor those heroes fighting the disease.
We invite you to enjoy the CD as we encourage you to protect yourself and your family from HIV/AIDS. We ask you to spread the message by sharing the CD with your families, friends and colleagues.
The Artists and the Sponsor