Honorable Dr. Lia Tadesse, the previous Minister of Health, has played a pivotal role in advancing the work of the Network of Networks of HIV Positives in Ethiopia (NEP+), acting as its foremost advocate and guiding force. Her contributions to this vital organization extend beyond advocacy; she has been instrumental in providing strategic leadership that has shaped the network’s vision and trajectory. As the NEP+ approaches its 20th anniversary, an occasion that will be marked with both celebration and reflection, Dr. Lia has offered key insights aimed at ensuring the event not only commemorates the network’s impressive legacy but also sets the stage for its future.
In her advisory role, Dr. Lia Tadesse has underscored the significance of celebrating this milestone in a manner that highlights the NEP+’s remarkable growth and sustainability over the past two decades. She emphasized the importance of leveraging the anniversary to further solidify the network’s impact, while ensuring that the event serves as a platform to advance its mission. Among the key areas she focused on were:
- Fostering Organizational Growth: Dr. Lia stressed that the anniversary should contribute to the ongoing growth and organizational development of the NEP+. This momentous occasion should not only look back on the network’s achievements but also project its vision for the future, ensuring that the momentum generated continues to fuel the expansion of its initiatives.
- Reflecting on Achievements: She highlighted the importance of using the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the incredible work the NEP+ has accomplished over the last 19 years in combating and managing HIV/AIDS. This period of reflection is crucial for recognizing the network’s contributions to the health and well-being of people living with HIV across Ethiopia, as well as assessing the lessons learned from its past efforts.
- Showcasing Service Quality and Sustainability: Dr. Lia urged that the celebration highlight the NEP+’s role in improving the quality of services provided to those affected by HIV/AIDS. She emphasized that service quality and sustainability should be central themes of the event, showcasing how the network’s interventions have led to tangible improvements in the lives of those it serves.
- Ensuring Continuity and Program Visibility: Another critical aspect Dr. Lia raised was the need to spotlight the network’s ongoing activities and programmatic continuity during the anniversary. By featuring its current initiatives in the celebration, the NEP+ can ensure that its ongoing work remains visible to stakeholders and the wider public, reinforcing the message that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over.
- Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration: Dr. Lia also called for an emphasis on collaboration during the anniversary, urging all stakeholders—government entities, non-governmental organizations, international partners, and community groups—to come together in support of the NEP+’s efforts. By fostering a spirit of collaboration, the network can enhance its capacity to combat HIV/AIDS and mitigate its impact on society. She pointed out that the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the importance of a united front in addressing this public health challenge, where each stakeholder’s contribution is vital to the success of the network’s mission.
Dr. Lia’s strategic directions serve as a comprehensive roadmap for organizing a successful 20th-anniversary celebration, one that not only honors the NEP+’s legacy but also aligns its future aspirations with the collective goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Her leadership and foresight ensure that the event will be both impactful and meaningful, positioning the NEP+ to continue its critical work well into the future.