Bowie State Lends Hand in HIV/AIDS Treatment Training in Ethiopia
Bowie State University’s Wellness Center director, Dr. Rita Wutoh, recently traveled to Ethiopia where she conducted training for faculty and professional students at the University of Addis Ababa, School of Pharmacy in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
“By collaborating with the University of Addis Ababa, we were able to positively impact the clinical training of pharmacists and provide much needed training in HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention to students and teachers in Ethiopia,” said Dr. Wutoh. “Ethiopia is a country struggling with a major HIV/AIDS epidemic and they truly need this type of support in their facilities.”
With an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV, Ethiopia has one of the largest populations of HIV infected people in the world, according to UNAIDS. It is also one of the world’s poorest countries.
The trip, June 16-25, was part of a faculty exchange program sponsored by the Twinning Center American International Health Alliance, which is in its fifth year. To date, more than ten faculty members have rotated to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate in the program.
During her trip, Dr. Wutoh also met with the country director for the American International Health Alliance to discuss opportunities for Bowie State University faculty in the areas of social work and mental health counseling to partner with the University of Addis Ababa faculty supporting their efforts in the health of women and children with HIV.
