YEREVAN TO MARCH TODAY FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
Aysor
Dec 1 2009
Armenia
Yerevan city will be included with participating in march across the
city to commemorate World AIDS Day.
World AIDS/HIV Day is marked on December 1. People in most towns could
test anonymously for AIDS. The initiative is part of the anti AIDS
campaign, organized by the officials and "Prevention and Control of
AIDS-HIV" program.
World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising
awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.
It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from
HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the
event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995,
the President of the United States has made an official proclamation
on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit
and issued similar announcements.
AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and
an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007,
making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care
in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated
2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.
According to the Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS-HIV of
Armenia’s Ministry of Health, cases of AIDS have been confirmed
here since 1988 and increase to 656 by 2008, of this 109 cases were
confirmed in 2007 while 118 in 2008. In Armenia, most of HIV-infected
are men – 489 people (74,5%), others are women – 167 cases (25,5%),
and 13 cases are among children (2%). For about 60% of the infected
were found among adults aged from 25 to 39.
The Armenian capital city will hold a march organized by a number of
public organizations with involvement of young activists-volunteers.
At 4 p.m. young activists will gather in adjoining to the Conservatory
Park with white clothes and a red ribbon put on. The Red Ribbon is
the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those
living with AIDS. The procession will cross Sayat-Nova Street, Teryan
Street, Northern Avenue, and Republic Square finally finishing at
Aznavour Square.