AGHVERAN. – The most number of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in Armenia was registered in the capital Yerevan, with 459, which makes up 40.7 percent of all registered cases. The calculation of registered HIV cases, per 100 thousand residents, shows that the greatest number is in Shirak Region, with 45.1 percent, followed by Yerevan, with 41.1 percent, Lori Region, with 37.6 percent, and Armavir Region, with 33.4 percent.

These regions are the leaders because drug addiction is more widespread there. There is a total of 1,127 HIV cases in Armenia, but, in line with unofficial data, this number reaches 2,500. These were stated by epidemiologist, Dr. Vardan Arzakantsyan of the Armenian Health Ministry’s AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) Prevention Center, during a seminar on this topic being held in Aghveran village.                    

In his words, majority of the HIV cases (797) are seen among men, whereas this number is 330, among women, together with 22 cases registered among children.   

Also, 7 elderly men and 2 elderly women were diagnosed with HIV.

57.1 percent of HIV cases are registered among those between the ages of 25 and 39. Furthermore, this disease penetrates into Armenia primarily from Russia, through Armenians who work and study there. 

The main causes of HIV in Armenia are through heterosexual intercourse, with 53.7 percent, and drug injections, with 37.4 percent. Cases have also been registered when HIV was transmitted from the mother to the child through blood. 

What is more, 536 HIV patients, including 124 women and 11 children, were diagnosed with AIDS, in Armenia. And a total of 258 HIV/AIDS patients, including 43 women and 5 children, have died.