The Highest HIV/AIDS Rates Recorded in Shirak Province

The highest rates of HIV/AIDS have been recorded in Shirak Province, followed by Lori and Gegharkunik provinces, said Stepan Atoyan, the director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health, during a press conference held in connection with World AIDS Day.

According to him, the male to female distribution of HIV is at a ratio of 70-30, meaning that 70 percent of those diagnosed are men and 30 percent are women. 'The largest group affected is in the age range of 25-39,' he stated.

Stepan Atoyan reminded that the virus is transmitted through sexual contact, intravenously, and from mother to child.

'Migrant workers in countries with higher prevalence of HIV are at greater risk, as well as individuals who use intravenous drugs and those providing commercial sexual services,' he said.

He also noted that Armenia is in a low prevalence zone, with average indicators in the fight against the disease.