African Services provides 30,000 free HIV tests a year.
African Services outreach workers in Shola Market, Addis Ababa.
ASC has integrated reproductive health counseling with HIV prevention.
Our Services & Programs
Since 2003, African Services Committee has provided HIV outreach, prevention education, condom distribution, and free HIV voluntary counseling and testing in Ethiopia .
Today, we operate three HIV clinics: in Addis Ababa in the heart of Shola Market, Kombolcha in Wolo Province and Mekelle in Tigray Province.
HIV Prevention Outreach
Our public education and prevention programs provide information on the risks of HIV/AIDS transmission and risk-reduction practices. Our outreach workers conduct educational sessions at local businesses and open markets, colleges and universities, garages and driving school, police stations, parks and open markets, and the operational areas of commercial sex workers.
We have educated nearly 75,000 people about prevention measures, protection against STIs, and reproductive health and referred many to utilize ASC's free services. With both knowledge and tangible solutions, individuals gain the ability to combat HIV transmission and reduce the effects of stigma.
Condom Distribution
We provide free condoms to all our clients and have distributed more than one million condoms to date. Each week, our outreach workers provide 72 free condoms to each of the 200 commercial sex workers in Shola Market.
HIV Counseling and Testing
African Services has provided HIV counseling and testing to over 50,000 people since 2003. Our clinics are located in large, populous market areas visited by 10,000 people each day. We provide free and confidential rapid testing that yields results in about 20 minutes. Over twice as many people have used ASC's testing services than the original estimate over a period of three years.
Diagnosis and Referral to Care
African Services has diagnosed over 4,500 people with the HIV virus since 2003. They are currently referred for treatment and care at local hospitals or health care centers. Home-based care and support are provided by our PLWHA partner organizations, Mekdim and Dawn of Hope.
CD4 Testing
In 2005, African Services became the first Ethiopian NGO to offer CD4 testing service. At our Shola Market (Addis Ababa) and Mekelle sites, ASC offers CD4 testing free of charge to HIV positive clients who cannot afford to pay and at the cost of US$5.00 for those who can contribute. To date, we have provided CD4 tests for over 1,000 HIV positive people.
Nutritional Supplements
African Services provides vitamin supplements for HIV positive clients, helping them get the nutrition they need to boost their immune systems. We supply daily multi-vitamins, as well as Vitamins C and E. Our clients come to our sites for refills each month.
Pediatric HIV/AIDS Case Management
African Services has been providing rapid HIV testing to children over 18 months of age since 2004. To date, we have diagnosed over 200 HIV positive children, most of whom have been referred to partner organizations for further clinical evaluation, treatment, care, and support. In January 2007, ASC hired a pediatric nurse to examine children monthly and meet with their families to monitor their medical treatment and nutrition. African Services also supplies families with vitamin supplements to support necessary nutrition for healthy immune systems.
Reproductive Health and Family Planning
African Services introduced reproductive health services at our Shola and Mercato clinics in June 2006. Our staff nurses have provided reproductive health care, including oral and injectible contraceptives, to over 730 clients. We refer women for antenatal care, ART and pMTCT at local hospitals as part of this program.
Practical Attachment for VCT Trainees
African Services offers practical attachment for counselors being trained in HIV testing and counseling protocol. Over 200 health workers have been trained by African Services to date.
