The HIV/AIDS continues to pose a threat to the public health in Moldova, with the number of cases of new infections being on the rise. In a news conference held on the occasion of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, Deputy Minister of Health Svetlana Cotelea said that despite the involvement and measures taken by the Ministry of Health, new cases of HIV/AIDS continue to be recorded. This shows how serious and unmanageable this illness is, IPN reports.

Svetlana Cotelea noted that over 800 new cases of infection were discovered last year. More than 9,000 people in Moldova are infected with HIV. The antiretroviral treatment is free and is being received by about 4,000 people. The allocations for treating the HIV-infected persons continue to be increased. A sum of 22 million lei will be allocated this year for carrying out the activities stipulated in the National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Combating Program.

Representatives of the public association “Positive Initiative” said society still considers that the people infected with HIV are different and should not work and live alongside those who are not infected. This leads to discrimination, which, in turn, favors the spread of the infection. Discrimination appears not only as a result of humiliating behavior, but also of indifference towards those who are infected.