Madam, - I was interested to read Barry Malone's article "An Irishman's HIV story" (Magazine, January 27th). Highlighting the issue of HIV/Aids is always worthwhile. However, misleading information on this devastating disease can damage the hard work done by individuals, health care professionals, NGOs and international organisations around the world.
As an Ethiopian who has spent the past three years working on HIV/Aids programmes in Ethiopia, I feel Mr Malone's experience does not reflect the current HIV/Aids testing, counselling and treatment services available in Addis Ababa.
Almost all health clinics that test for HIV in Addis Ababa follow standard WHO approved testing procedures which include pre- and post-test counselling. Blood samples are tested according to internationally approved standards which involve a three-phase analysis.
In addition to improvements in testing procedures, much progress has been made in the area of treatment for people living with HIV/Aids thanks to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and PEFAR. Anti-retroviral drug therapy is becoming more widely available for those who need it in Addis Ababa.
I think Mr Malone's article lacked an in-depth analysis of HIV/Aids and was insensitive to the 40 million people around the world who are living with HIV today. - Yours, etc,
Dr ATAKELET FEREDE, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.