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There is an increasing concern about HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health (SRH) challenges due to their adverse effects on the productive population of developing countries. In Ethiopia, millions of people, particularly adolescents and youth, are at risk of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and SRH challenges. Most of these students are young—between the ages of 19 and 34—and are often sexually active. They are among the most vulnerable groups at risk of HIV infection and other SRH challenges.

To enhance the capacities of teachers in government universities in Ethiopia to effectively deliver life-skills education on HIV/AIDS and SRH, UNESCO, in collaboration with UNAIDS, the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, EngenderHealth, and the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, organized a Training of Trainers (ToT) event for government universities' HIV/AIDS club leaders from December 3^rd – 6^th, 2024. The training focuses on building the pedagogical skills of 80 teachers, lecturers and HIV/AIDS Club Coordinators.  it equips educators with effective strategies for engaging students in discussions about HIV/AIDS and SRH, fostering critical thinking, and developing good decision-making skills.

Representing the State Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Solomon Abereha emphasized that the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health are not merely medical concerns. He described them as issues deeply intertwined with social, cultural, and educational dimensions.

On behalf of Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO Liaison Office in Ethiopia, Dr. Salifou Abdoulaye called on all participants to use the workshop as a platform to build capacity, inspire change, and contribute to a future where no young person is left behind in the fight against HIV. Dr. Salifou concluded by emphasizing the importance of drafting policies within the Ethiopian Ministry of Education and Higher Education Institutions to tackle the diverse challenges posed by HIV and AIDS. He also highlighted the critical need for the active involvement of all stakeholders in higher education. 

In her opening remarks, the Country Director of UNAIDS, Dr. Krittayawan Boonto, highlighted the fact that as of 2023, the HIV prevalence in Ethiopia stood at 0.87%, with approximately 605,000 people living with HIV, 65% of whom are women. Young people, specifically women and young girls, continue to bear the highest burden of HIV. In Ethiopia, women and girls aged 15–24 are four times more likely to acquire HIV than their male peers.