ArmenPress
March 29 2005
FIRST NATIONAL GUIDELINE FOR MANAGEMENT OF STD PRESENTED
YEREVAN MARCH ARMENPRESS: The first national guideline for
management of patients with venereal diseases was presented today. It
is intended not only for a narrow circle of specialists but also for
doctors engaged in delivering primary health services, especially for
so-called family doctors and the personnel of rural medical posts.
Armenian Health Ministry is planning a vast range of three-day
trainings courses across the country in April-May to help local
medical personnel apply the guideline correctly. Some 400 doctors
delivering primary health services are supposed to be involved. The
health minister has already signed a special order that details the
process of the guideline’s introduction.
According to Health Ministry figures, around 29,000 instances of
venereal diseases were reported last year. Some 75 percent of people
are believed to be aware about their disease, but only 65 percent
seek qualified medical assistance, 50 percent of people are diagnosed
and 35 percent are treated. Doctors explain that the low percentage
of people who seek medical assistance is due not only to the lack of
their sanitary and hygienic knowledge, but also due to covert
development of the illness.
People infected with various venereal diseases are exposed to a
much more greater risk to be infected with HIV. Venereal diseases are
spread mainly among prostitutes and homosexuals. The latter are said
to be few and only 4-5 homosexuals apply annually to doctors.
The guideline contains an array of directions for doctors in
remote areas, where diagnosing is a problem, about how to identify
and treat such people.
The guideline is a collaborative product of the USAID that funded
its publication, Armenian Health Ministry and the Academy of
Educational Development (AED).
According to Armenian deputy health minister Tatul Hakobian, the
Ministry faces serious problems in identifying, preventing and
treating sexually transmitted diseases (STD). He said it is an area
that is not prone to coordination, as late diagnosis is fraught with
serious complications.
He commended the USAID and AED for this very important initiative.
Deputy Director of USAID Armenia Karl Fikenscher said they were
happy to contribute to the development, publication and introduction
of the guideline. He described the book as “the most modern
guideline,” meant not only for patients but also for their partners.