December 8, 2009 - 18:31 AMT
Representatives of Republican AIDS Prevention Center receive honor awards
In the jubilee conference on "Key Issues Concerning HIV/AIDS", Health Minister Harutyun Kushkyan congratulated and handed honor awards to the representatives Republican AIDS Prevention Center on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of their activities. Head the Center Samvel Grogoryan also received award for carrying out active AIDS prevention work in NKR. The award was handed by Ophelia Griogoryan, Head of NKR Health Ministry's Anti-Epidemic and Hygienic Inspection.

Grigoryan introduced his report on HIV situation in Armenia and measures undertaken in the sphere. According to him, 134 HIV incidences were this year registered in the country, with 16 patients being children. The number of the dead comprised 200, including 33 women and 4 children. HIV rate makes up 0.8% on global level and 0.12% in Armenia. According to Grigoryan, Armenia has joined all international programs aimed at combating HIV/AIDS and is taking various measures towards treating and preventing the disease.

Armenia implements 2 HIV programs providing access to treatment methods and increasing awareness of the disease and its transmission. Programs also envisage various events, including "On Equal Footing" seminars for prison inmates, pregnant women and drug users. Besides, there is a decision on organizing 28-hour school trainings on healthy way of life, with 6 hours devoted to HIV/AIDS.

"As shown by recent years' studies, the events do really raise awareness, producing positive outcomes," Samvel Grigoryan said, summing up his speech.