PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF A DIC VOLUNTEER
The USAID MULU Key Populations Activity extends community-based comprehensive HIV services for key and priority populations(clients). The project’s objective is to contribute to the Government of Ethiopia, United States Agency for International Development, and United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief 95–95–95 targets and reach epidemic control by 2030. The Activity operates through a network of strategically located drop-in centers (DICs) established in the heart of hotspots. The DICs serve as community hubs extending friendly and comprehensive HIV and other clinical services to clients.
Hawassa DIC is one of the twenty-two DICs operated through the Activity. It is located at the heart of the city’s hotspot area, around the Bermuda area in Bahil Adarash. This site was selected based on multiple hotspot areas and a high number of vulnerable Female Sex Workers(FSWs).
PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF A DROP-IN-CENTRE VOLUNTEER IN HAWASSA
Hello, my name is Yenenesh Mekonen, I am a 30-year-old woman currently working as a sex worker and a volunteer in Hawassa Drop-In Center (DIC). A few years back, I used to work in Bale Goba town, and while I was there, I was gang raped by three men. It was a traumatic experience because they did not use protection and tried to kill me. I am grateful that God spared my life, but the incident left me with lifelong trauma and exposed me to HIV. After testing positive for HIV, I immediately started taking treatment.
Despite receiving proper treatments, I lost all hope. But over the years, I realized that if I take care of myself and keep taking my medicine, I can live a happy and healthy life. Now, I even have an HIV-negative partner, and we always take the necessary precaution to keep him healthy.
To support myself and earn a living, I moved to Hawassa and started working as a sex worker. This line of work is filled with hardship and challenges. Initially, I rarely had any form of social support. However, a Drop-In Center (DIC) was opened in Hawassa over a year ago, and it was at that point that I was invited by DIC personnels. They described the services provided at the DIC and extended an invitation for me to visit. They also asked me to volunteer as a peer educator because of my good communication skill. I accepted the request and I am now volunteering. In addition to my volunteer work, I frequently interact with FSWs to share my personal story and inspire them to visit the DIC for HIV testing, treatment, and other services.
“I am happy with the work being done at the DIC and consider myself fortunate to contribute to reduce HIV among sex workers.”
