Founded by 30 passionate HIV-positive young people, ASK US has grown into a national force advocating for health, psychosocial wellbeing, and economic empowerment.
Building a future where every young person living with HIV thrives with dignity, health, and opportunity.
To enhance health, psychosocial and economic wellbeing of children, adolescents, and youth through empowerment and leadership.
ASK US HIV Positive Children, Adolescents and Youth National Association was established in 2001 by about 30 passionate HIV-positive children, adolescents, and youth. Today, the association plays a significant role in setting the issue of HIV-positive young people as a national agenda.
We have developed a comprehensive five-year HIV/AIDS strategic plan (2023-2028), prepared based on situational analysis and wider stakeholders consultation, guiding programs, resource mobilization, and partnership.
Founded by and for HIV-positive young people
Setting the agenda at the national level
Five-year plan aligned with global 2030 targets
Contributing towards ending AIDS by 2030 and enhancing the health, psychosocial and economic wellbeing of children, adolescents, and youth.
Reach 20,000 HIV-positive adolescents and youth and 10,000 high-risk AGYW with sexual and reproductive health, counseling, and HIV prevention information and services by 2028.
Reach 20,000 HIV-positive children, adolescents and youth with mental health, psychosocial and economic counseling, support and services by 2028.
Ensure 95% of HIV-positive CAY know their status, 95% of those are on ART, and 95% on ART achieve viral suppression by 2028.
Advocate and contribute to ensuring 90% professional and timely disclosure of HIV status to Children and Adolescents Living with HIV (CALHIV) by 2028.
Contribute to triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, congenital syphilis, and viral hepatitis B below 5% by 2028.
Reduce below 10% stigma and discrimination, gender-based violence and gender inequalities, and eliminate human rights and legal barriers to services.
Comprehensive programs and services designed to empower and support HIV-positive children, adolescents, and youth across Ethiopia.
Providing sexual and reproductive health counseling, HIV prevention information, and linkage to comprehensive health services for adolescents and youth.
Mental health counseling, peer support groups, and psychosocial services tailored to the unique needs of young people living with HIV.
Livelihood support, skills training, and economic counseling to build self-sufficiency and reduce vulnerability among youth.
Monitoring performance and quality of HIV services through community-led approaches to ensure accountability and improvement.
Advocating for the rights of HIV-positive young people, fighting stigma and discrimination, and promoting gender equality.
Building the capacity of young people to lead, advocate, and drive change in their communities and at the national level.
Successful interventions creating lasting impacts and sustainable changes in the lives of young people across Ethiopia.
Funded by PEPFAR, this initiative empowers communities to monitor the quality and performance of HIV services. Through community-led monitoring, we ensure that services are responsive to the needs of children, adolescents, and youth living with HIV.
Supported by Project HOPE, this program implements Differentiated Service Delivery Models (DSDM) specifically designed for adolescents, ensuring age-appropriate, youth-friendly HIV care and support services.
Key data points shaping our strategic priorities and program focus areas.
In 2021, the national HIV prevalence among adults was estimated at 0.92%. The burden is disproportionately higher in urban areas - 2.9% in urban vs 0.4% in rural areas. Highest prevalence in Gambella (3.56%), Addis Ababa (3.33%), and Harari (2.89%).
Women are the most affected. Among adults aged 15-49, HIV prevalence is 1.2% among women vs 0.6% among men. In urban areas, prevalence among women is twice that of men: 4.1% vs 1.9%.
HIV burden is highest among adults aged 40-44 years. Among women, prevalence rises from 0.4% (ages 15-19) to 3.0% (ages 40-44). Key populations include female sex workers, people who inject drugs, widowed/divorced individuals, and mobile workers.
HIV transmission is largely heterosexual. Contributing factors include low comprehensive knowledge, multiple sexual relationships, low condom use, STIs, needle sharing among PWID, alcohol and substance use, gender-based violence, and socioeconomic factors.
Working alongside leading organizations to maximize our impact.
We would love to hear from you. Whether you are interested in partnering, volunteering, or learning more about our work, reach out to us.
Guirid Sholla Drar Mall, 6th Floor
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
info@askusethiopia.org
+251 [Contact Number]