YEREVAN. – The public attitude toward AIDS patients has become somewhat moderate in Armenia, but, still, it is insufficient, psychologist Anush Minasyan stated during a press conference on Saturday.   

In her words, when someone learns that he—or she—has HIV, the first reaction is denial; and when the diagnosis is confirmed, the given person becomes exposed to stress. “The prevailing [factor] is not solely the fear for one’s own life but, also, the fear of being subjected to the negative, discriminatory attitude by the public,” Minasyan noted.       

She stressed that the negative attitude toward AIDS patients is a very serious problem in Armenia. 

In this connection, Health Ministry’s National Center for AIDS Prevention (NCAP) Director, Dr. Samvel Grigoryan noted: “The hang-ups need to be gotten rid of and public awareness needs to be risen.”  

To note, Saturday, December 1, is World AIDS Day.