World AIDS day was colorfully celebrated in Hawassa, capital  of Southern  nations, nationalities  and people regional states(SNNPR)at national level on December 1st 2009,”under the theme universal access and Humane Rights”

Present on the occasion were H.E Girma WoldeGeorgis, president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. H.E First Lady Hazeb Mesfin, H.E Ato Shiferaw Shigute head of SNNPR, ministries, representatives of International organizations and donor agencies.

President Girma Woldgiorgies in his speech emphasized the commitment of the government of Ethiopia in fighting against the pandemic. He further called up on all stakeholders and partners to scale up their efforts with the bid to meet universal Access in the year 2010, with special emphasis on most at risk populations (MARPs) and prevention from mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and reiterated his support their effort in Mitigating the impact.

First Lady Azeb Mesfin also expressed her concern of the performance on PMTCT and urged all actors and families to go to health facilities during pregnancy and after giving birth to make sure that an HIV free child is born.She also applauded the efforts of health extension workers who are playing irreplaceable role all over the country in creating awareness among the general population.

State minister of Health Dr.Kebede Worku outlined the effort made and results gained by his ministry in fighting against HIV and AIDS.He also pointed out that he shares the concern of the president and the First Lady regarding the gaps seen in PMTCT and MARPs and said that various stratrgies are designed to bridge the gap.Prior to the speeches made by guests of Honors, Dr.Betru Tekle,Director General of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office(HAPCO) and H.E Ato Shiferaw Shigute of SNNPR had made welcoming speeches.

Representatives of International organizations and donor agencies and Network of Networks of associations of people living with the virus also made key note speeches  and expressed their satisfaction and future commitment to assist the government of Ethiopia and other implementers to strengthen their effort against the spreed of the virus.Cultural shows and exhibition that show the multisectoral response to HIV and AIDS