Abebe is a radio journalist specialising in HIV/AIDS and other health issues.
In 1999 Abebe joined Radio Fana – Ethiopia’s first private national broadcaster – producing popular programmes such as ‘Ask your doctor’ and ‘Let’s talk’ (a roundtable discussion for young parents and professionals). He also hosted a live show on women’s issues, focusing on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and empowerment.
Recognising the need for strong media intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Abebe moved to the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, where he leads media activities. He also produces an innovative ‘radio diary’ show designed to reduce the stigma of being HIV positive for the national AIDS Resource Centre/Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Abebe says:
“I had a vision of being a journalist when I was a secondary school student. Luckily enough I have been able to realise my dream.
Ethiopia is not kind to journalists specialising in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, and I am one of the few journalists in the country working in these areas.
Nevertheless, I plan to keep on working hard to further develop my professional competence and share what I know with others.”
