3300 People Living with HIV in Armenia
December 1 is World AIDS Day. In various cities of the Republic, the Ministry of Health and international organizations dealing with this disease conduct awareness-raising events under different slogans. Today, under the slogan "Gukas Gyumri," the National Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health and the public organization "Be Informed" organized an awareness event.
Documentation of cases of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Armenia began in 1988. Who are considered vulnerable groups for this disease, and what measures are being taken for early detection of the infection? The Deputy Minister of Health addressed these questions, stating that the number of HIV carriers in Armenia exceeds 3000.
"There are 3300 people living with HIV in Armenia. Of these, 70 percent are aware of their status, they are receiving treatment and medications. I must say that such events help raise awareness and encourage everyone to get tested and determine their health issues. If awareness-raising is stopped, then Armenia would also be in a bad condition, similar to our neighboring countries like Russia and Ukraine. Currently, we are in a better situation compared to them," said the Deputy Minister of Health.