The Condomize campaign was undertaken at the Semera University as a side event of the HIV Prevention Summit held in the Afar Regional State from 20-21 April 2016. The campaign held under the messages “Condomize; don’t compromise!”, ‘My life, my choice!’ and ‘The safe way is the right way!’ took the form of edutainment programs adding color to the main event. The campaign was jointly organized by UNFPA and DKT Ethiopia. 

Community dialogues, girls Talk, CONDOMIZE debates, condom demonstration and distribution were among the activities undertaken during the campaign under the topics Relationships and sexuality, Female condom, and Emergency contraception.

Meanwhile, the HIV Prevention Summit in the Afar Region which built on similar events held in other regions took place under the theme “Ownership, accessibility and result.” The summit was organized by the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (FHAPCO) in collaboration with the Afar Regional Health Bureau and other partners including UNFPA.  

More than 200 people constituting high government officials, partners, and representatives from the nine Regional States and two city administrations in the country took part in the summit. The summit aimed at sharing knowledge, reviewing the current HIV situation and prevention responses and identifying priorities and setting action points to strengthen national and regional capacity and ownership.

Speaking at the summit on behalf of the UN, Mrs. Miriam Maluwa, Country Director of UNAIDS, said “This new goal of “Ending AIDS” by 2030 is a goal that we should all of us, including the Afar Regional State should rally behind. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is at the forefront of advancing this visionary Goal. “Fast-Track” approach also includes setting ambitious targets for HIV prevention, Treatment and zero Discrimination.”

Discussions on the current country HIV/AIDS situation and responses were presented by FHAPCO and the Ministry of Health which extended to further discussions of community representatives. The discussions generated feasible action points endorsed by the summit as commitments. 

During the summit UNFPA in collaboration with UNICEF and UNAIDS presented on global experience on behavioral and structural component of HIV/AIDS prevention.