HU holds Stakeholders’ Workshop on enhancing HIV/Syphilis RDT in Antenatal Care in Southern Ethiopia.

Department of Public Health at Hawassa University, in collaboration with Frailty Study Project, has conducted a stakeholders' workshop on dual HIV/syphilis testing during antenatal care in Southern Ethiopia at Rori International Hotel.

Prof. Mebratu Mulatu, Director of Collaborative Projects' Coordination at HU, officated the workshop where he emphasized the essence of the project on mothers' and infants' care.

Prof. Jaime Vera, the principal investigator from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK, virtually addressed the ultimate importance of dual HIV/Syphilis testing to the participants.

Dr. Endrias Markos, the focal person for the dual RDT testing project at HU, also provided a comprehensive overview of the initiative. Dr. Endrias underscored that the Frailty study project has made significant contributions at Hawassa University since 2021 which includes various studies on Frailty in PLHV, Lung function study, NCDs study and STI. Additionally, he mentioned that the project has financially supported two MPH students in their thesis work and established a large dataset.

During the workshop, two professionals from the public health department, Mr. Netsanet Abera and Mr. Abreham Abate, addressed participants on policy issues, challenges, and opportunities related to dual HIV/syphilis testing. Mr. Netsanet emphasized that syphilis poses significant risks at global, continental, and national levels. Meanwhile, Mr. Abreham provided insights into what syphilis is,  the algorithm for HIV/syphilis testing, and strategies for addressing the challenges faced by the health sector in improving HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic testing in antenatal care settings.

Participants also raised their concerns on implementing dual HIV/syphilis testing in their health centers as well as mitigating mechanisms of challenges hindering the enactment.  

Finally, Mr. Alemu Tamiso, Chief Executive Director of the CMHS gave a closing remark where he stated that HIV/AIDS is spreading alarmingly and such platforms are very important to solve related societal problems calling for stronger coalitions.