Yerevan to march today for World AIDS Day

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.