Panorama.am

22:14 02/11/2007

20th century evil doesn’t want to back off

This year, 84 new cases of AIDS have been registered in Armenia. From
1988 to September 30, 2007, 513 cases were registered. According to
the AIDS center’s statistics, the number of cases of those infected
with AIDS has risen in recent years, with 383 men infected (74.7% of
the total) and 10 children (1.9%). Nearly 73% are in the 20-39 age
bracket.

The AIDS infection center director Arshak Baboyan, talking with a
Panorama.am journalist, said, `In general, the number of AIDS cases is
rising. Part of this is due to the advancement of laboratory
equipment, which allows us to reveal more cases, and the creation of
advice and assistance centers.’ The first instance of an AIDS-related
death in Armenia was in 1989. In 1990, the first case of AIDS
spreading due to narcotics use was registered.

Baboyan says that treatments for AIDS exist, in concurrence with the
government’s program in this area. The program’s main purpose is that
by 2007-2011 the existence of effective treatment should exist,
including centering on those groups of society more at risk for the
disease. Concerning these groups, the `We are all equal’ method is
taught, with advice and treatment offered to those afflicted, as well
as educational materials.

We add that psychological and legal advice is offered by the `Global
Foundation,’ with treatment, care, and social assistance.

Source: Panorama.am