Yerevan celebrates World AIDS Day by distributing condoms among people in streets

The global community commemorates the World AIDS Day on December 1 every year.

The estimated number of HIV patients worldwide is 33.4 million, with 3 million dying every year.
Since December 1, 1988, the recorded number of HIV/AIDS patients in Armenia has been 956. Half of them were diagnosed over the past four years.

The virus occurs predominantly among males whose number totals 688 (72%). So far, 268 females (28%) in Armenia have been diagnosed with the virus. Children make 2% (20 cases) of the total number of patients.

The majority of HIV-infected individuals – 58.4% - are between ages 25 and 39.

HIV in Armenia is mostly transferred heterosexually (51.4%) or through intravenous drug injections (39.5%). Cases of homosexual, as well as mother-to-child transmission of the virus have also been registered.

Some 408 of HIV-infected individuals (108 women and 10 children) have been diagnosed with AIDS. So far, 228 deaths have been registered, with 38 of them being women (4 children). The mortality rate over the past months of 2010 has twice decreased compared to the same period of the previous year.

The situation assessment reveals that there are currently 1900 HIV-infected patients in the Armenia.

Like many other countries worldwide, Armenia too will host today different events aimed at combating HIV/AIDS. Open lessons entitled "Silence is not Solution" will be organized in 4 schools by The Armenian Red Cross Society. Red Cross volunteers will conduct an information campaign, distributing leaflets, condoms and red ribbons among passers-by in Yerevan streets
A concert titled "Youth against AIDS" will be held in the evening.