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The 12th Conference of NAC held |
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 The 12th Conference of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Council was held at the National Palace here in Addis Ababa on 26 November 2009.
The conference, chaired by H.E. Ato Girma Woldegiorgi, President of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Ethiopian and chairman of the National AIDS Council, was attended by regional Presidents, Ministers, NAC members, religious leaders, elders, renowned individuals and media people and other invited guests.
 Following an opening speech by H.E. President Girma, and a welcoming address by H. E. Dr. Tewodros Adhanom, Minister of Health, the General Director of the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, Dr. Betru Tekle presented a detailed report covering the activities undertaken during 2001 EC budget year and he also highlighted the activities carried out during the first-quarter of 2002 EC budget year. Dr. Betru stressed on his report to put the direction the meeting on the low achievement of prevention of HIV Virus from mother – to - child program (PMTCT) and the low fund liquidation from the regions as challenges  Opening the half-day conference, H. E. President Girma said that in addition to reviewing last year’s performance and making recommendations for the next budget year, the conference will also focus on identifying problems. He added: it is a moment for all stakeholders to commit themselves to prevent HIV/AIDS, which is the major obstacle to our development endeavor, and to renew the promise to put into practice “Universal Access” by 2010.
In his welcoming address, Dr. Tewodros said, the National AIDS Conference which is being held on the eve of this year’s World AIDS Day will have great contributions towards conveying useful messages. The Minister of Health spoke about the importance of expanding health extension programs, the efforts being made to enhance prevention, treatment, care and support, to expand HIV/AIDS services and Community Conversation. He also emphasized the need to focus on the most vulnerable sections of the society
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