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WORLD AGAINST AIDS

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For 15 years December 1 has been celebrated as the International Day of Fight against AIDS to focus the public attention to this epidemic and to take new steps to prevent it.

In 2003 the highest tempos of HIV/AIDS epidemic progress were registered in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Armenia. This year about 5 million people became infected with HIV. 230.000 of them are in this region. The first HIV-carrier in Armenia was found in 1988.

According to Samvel Grigoryan, Director of the Republican Centre for AIDS Prophylaxis, there are 247 HIV-carriers registered in Armenia but the real number of them exceeds 2500.

At the press conference held on Fight against AIDS Vladimir Davidyants, Sanitary Chief Doctor of Armenia, informed those present that it is possible to prevent AIDS only through the joint efforts. It is early to speak about the epidemic cure.

As to “Armenikum”, the conference participants said they were not commissioned to speak about it. Samvel Grigoryan just said as far as he was aware “Armenikum” was not used for treatment in Armenia.

Armenia struggles against AIDS thanks to the international financing. By Samvel Grigoryan’s word, $ 1200-1500 are annually needed to prolong life of each patient. 12 laboratories will be open in Armenia next year by financing of the international organizations. People can enjoy free of charge checkup there if suspicion.