Mekdim Ethiopia National Association (MENA)

Mekdim Ethiopia National Association of PLHIV and AIDS Orphans was established in 1996 by a group of 3 people living with the virus and 9 Aids orphans. In 1997, it has got a license from Addis Ababa City government to work at regional level. Then, in August 1999, it has got NGO license from the ministry of Justice to operate at National level. The foundation of Mekdim was based on people that were unified by common experiences faced when encountering HIV/AIDS at a time of high stigma, ignorance and discrimination. The founders at the beginning used to meet informally in each others homes or offices to provide mutual psychological and social support. Cohesion among these individuals was strengthened by the fact that they were either directly infected with HIV or implicitly affected by the epidemic. Consequently, they were able to establish Mekdim (meaning pioneer), which is the first legally registered and presently one of the major PLHIVs associations in Ethiopia. Currently the as...