Country Overview

Ethiopia is one of the poorest nations in Africa, according to the World Health Organisation, Ethiopia has only 2.6 medical doctors per 100,000 people resulting in substantial healthcare concerns, especially for the many Ethiopians living with HIV/AIDS or with communicable diseases caused by poor sanitation and malnutrition. Although Ethiopia has the greatest water reserves in Africa, there are few irrigation systems and as such development of infrastructure, especially in rural and agricultural areas, is crucial to the country’s progress.

                                  *****************

One of the biggest challenges facing Ethiopia is the high prevalence of HIV. UNAIDS estimates that 15 per cent of the population of Addis Ababa are HIV positive. This has resulted in many thousands of orphans and single parent families.

AFAP has been collaborating closely with its Australian Community Partner, Hope for Children (HFC), for nearly 5 years. Today in Ethiopia there are about 5.4 million orphaned children: many have lost their parents to AIDS. 

This program supports some of the most destitute urban communities who have been affected by HIV and AIDS and poverty and aims at enabling children to stay in a family environment in their own communities.

Through a sponsorship program children receive access to nutritious food, education, medical care, grief counselling and HIV and AIDS education.

The Program’s strength is its commitment to addressing the holistic needs of children who have experienced considerable trauma and grief.