Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Addis Abeba (Agenzia Fides) – The Ethiopian government, as a pretext for encouraging citizens to have themselves tested for HIV, is using modern technologies and the celebration of the New Year in the country. “New Year, New Life! Have yourself tested for HIV; do it for your children and brighten the future of your family! Free test. Happy New Year!” says the message sent to those who use the national telephone service, Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation, from the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO), on the occasion of the celebration of the Ethiopian New Year begun on September 11. Ethiopia follows its own calendar, which is 7 years behind the standard Gregorian Calendar (their year also has 13 months). In the African nation, there is still a 2.1% HIV rate. Nearly 2.3 million people are tested every year in the over 1,000 centers throughout the country. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 14/9/2009)
