Ambassador Dr. John N. Nkengasong, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy for Health Diplomacy, announced the approval of the $111 million (over 6 billion Birr) Country Operational Plan 2023 (COP23) through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program to support Ethiopia’s continued response to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.  

U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga, along with Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, attended the virtual event and gave remarks. 

The COP23 Year 2 plan represents ongoing cooperation between PEPFAR and the Ministry of Health to develop joint programming to support the needs of people living with HIV in Ethiopia.  The approval announced by Ambassador Nkengasong ensures a continuation of this programming, which will ensure Ethiopia is on track to achieve epidemic control by 2030.