EGT HIV Interventions in Addis Ababa Gemini supports the poorest of the poor living in the slums of Addis where illiteracy, high unemployment, harmful traditional practices, malnutrition and poor socio-economic conditions are prevalent. EGT families, who live under such difficult environment, have also a burden of carrying for twins and triplets that make them extremely vulnerable to unexpected downturns or shocks, which occur frequently.   The birth of twins or triplets is one such shock and often results in increased demands on household resources and loss of a mother’s income.  Chronic illness and death of a breadwinner results in further disastrous results.

Children live in a harsh environment characterized by poverty, lack of educational opportunities, domestic and physical child abuse and alcoholism. HIV/AIDS prevalence in Addis Ababa is one of the highest in the country at 7 % and many Gemini families are at greater risk due to poverty which leads them to practice high risk behaviours. Women headed households are particularly disadvantaged. There is no available data within the Gemini families to suggest that HIV prevalence is higher in such households but the poverty under which many live raise the chance of high risk behaviours. The number of PLWHA’s under Gemini’s care and support program and the number of child headed families are sadly growing rapidly and it is evident that HIV/AIDS is dramatically affecting Gemini families: parents are dying leaving households headed by children. We are at present supporting 124 people living with HIV/AIDS. Gemini works at individual and family level to mitigate these problems actively working in increasing awareness and working on ways to reduce high risk behaviours. Unfortunately due to the harsh funding situation in 2009/2010, Gemini was forced to close its primary health care clinic.  Despite available health services in the city, the very poor often have difficulty in accessing care. Over the course of this proposal, information will be gathered as to whether Gemini families became less able to access care following the closure of the clinic. 

Gemini Foundation is working on preventive health care services for the whole family, including lessons in better health and hygiene, HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support. Over the two years project period, Gemini  aims to address families within its program and also target selected kebeles for youth outreach activities, working with other local partners. In order to define the baseline of knowledge, attitudes and practices, Gemini will carry out a KAP survey on an identified number of Gemini families.  In addition to the families a survey among 720 of its young people aged from 12-18 years will be undertaken.  Based on the results of the survey a behaviour change communication program will be developed addressing the identified risk behaviours. Based on the results of the KAP carried out in the identified communities, Adugna Dance Theatre Group will take part in an integrated community out reach on a youth-focused HIV/AIDS prevention program; in addition  Gem TV will use  video production and work with communities in order to highlight issues raised.  Through different activities that encompasses young people and vulnerable women in the community the program will foster change, increase self esteem and confidence which will translate into the ability to address problems within their lives; thus they will be more effective change agents and catalysts of change within their own community. It has also IGA/schemes that could support 150 PLWHAs.