A number of NGOs specialized in the prevention of HIV in Moldova on June 27 staged a demonstration to encourage the participation by the Ministry of Finance in the National Dialogue of June 30, where methods of transferring the HIV prevention programs from external financing to state financing are to be discussed, IPN reports.

“We hope that starting with this year, there will be ensured the gradual transfer to state financing and the internal financial contribution will be increased because only this way can we secure external financial support. As long as those from outside do not see the state contribution, they remain less disposed to offer us support,” said Ala Yatsko, who heads the Union for HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction of Moldova.

Representatives of the NGOs asked for a meeting with the minister or deputy minister of finance for discussing their participation in the National Dialogue, but these didn’t come out to talk to the demonstrators.

For a year, the budget for supporting the HIV prevention programs totals an estimated 1 million lei. If these programs are not financially support by the state, the problem of HIV infection could worsen in Moldova.

Currently, in Moldova there are about 6,000 officially registered HIV-infected persons. About 800 new cases were recorded during the last five years. The 34-35 age category is the most affected.