Tuesday, December 1 2015 13:38

Since 1988, 495 HIV/AIDS inflected, including 85 women and 8 children, died in Armenia, Deputy Minister of Health Vahan Poghosyan told a news conference on Dec 1.  He said that since 1988 when the first case of AIDS was diagnosed in Armenia, the country has achieved much in combating the disease. Antiretroviral therapy has become available in the country and it is free of charge. 

In addition, he said, since 2001, no HIV infection via donor blood has been registered. In addition, since 2007, HIV- infected women have been giving birth to healthy children thanks to timely treatment.  Poghosyan highlighted that over 95% of pregnant women and all TB patients undergo HIV tests.  Preventive programs have been launched in 100 rural and city communities over high impact of the migration factor on HIV spreading. 

The deputy minister thanked donors and international organizations, particularly, the Government of Russia,  The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UN and other partners for assistance to Armenia in the field. 

As of December 1 2015, 2,214 HIV patients have been registered in Armenia since 1988, 69% among men, 1.9% or 41 cases among children, 52% of HIV-infected are at the age of 25-39.  1,140 HIV infected, including 24 children and 289 women, were diagnosed AIDS.  
December 1 is the World Day to Fight AIDS.