The main objective of this review is to provide a preliminary evaluation of the suitability of
community-based organizations (CBOs) to contribute to HIV/AIDS prevention, care/support and
control programs in Ethiopia. In order to put CBOs and programs in the context of HIV transmission
and spread, the role of the Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Strategy (2000-2004) and other government
policies and programs in promoting an environment conducive for these organizations and
initiatives are highlighted. The Ethiopian literature and recent news releases on CBOs were
reviewed and findings examined in the context of recent government policies, community initiatives
and prevailing infrastructure in health programs, socioeconomic and cultural constraints.
Findings show that the Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Strategy, the current Health Policy, and plans to
strengthen the weredas and kebeles facilitate the development of CBOs and programs and
infrastructure through the HIV/AIDS Council, the Ministry of Health and various other
governmental organizations. CBOs studied are at different stages of planning and implementing
preventive and care/support programs but little is known about their progress, operations and
effectiveness due to the recency of most programs and lack of monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms. Although most CBOs are either still in the formative stage or in process of carrying
out HIV/AIDS prevention programs on a limited scale, their self initiative, their knowledge of and
acceptance by the community and their relative cost-effectiveness render them suitable as owners,
advocates and participants in programs. Several organizations and health agents are operating in
integrated primary health and HIV/AIDS prevention programs that have a multi-disease, multiorganizational
and poverty-reduction focus and use appropriate and promising behavioral change
communication methods that may contribute significantly to overcoming social stigma and reduce
HIV exposure risk.
The various CBOs can be partners in HIV/AIDS prevention, patient care/support and control
programs. They may facilitate efforts to curb the spread of HIV through the expansion of awareness
creation and prevention initiatives and also provide patient care and support. The kebele may act as
forum for community initiatives and as a link between the community and outside institutions if
they can overcome bureaucratic intransigence and create an enabling environment. Towards that
objective, CBOs need both internal strengthening of programs and outside support for their
sustainability, and persisting stigma and discrimination against living with HIV/AIDS persons need
to be reduced. Among new strategies, integrated home-based care programs involving people living
with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), families and neighbors, and poverty alleviation with an integrated
HIV/AIDS component promise to create an enabling environment and promote project ownership
by communities, which facilitate program design, management and effectiveness.
Recommendations are made for further research towards identifying, promoting, strengthening and
upscaling CBOs and programs to the regional and national levels.