By 800 new cases of HIV have been recorded annually in Moldova during the past three years. Last yearend, over 11,000 Moldovans had the status of persons who live with HIV/AIDS. In 85% of the cases, the virus is contracted by sexual ways. The data were presented by Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Stela Grigoras in the sixth national conference “HIV/AIDS”, IPN reports.
According to the minister, the current situation shows that emphasis should be placed on programs to prevent the disease and to raise awareness of the necessity of having the HIV test. Only half of the HIV-positive persons know their status and only 1/3 receive medical treatment. The prevention and treatment programs are sufficient in number, but the problem resides in the ignorance of HIV-positive persons.
Ruslan Poverga, of the community of persons living with HIV, said that positive changes have been witnessed, but the HIV-positive persons continue to face such problems as stigmatization and discrimination. More instruments of cooperation between NGOs, the authorities and people are needed. All the persons living with HIV should be identified so as to ensure their access to treatment and to prevent the spread of the disease.
UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova Dafina Gercheva said that emphasis should be laid on the breaking of stereotypes, removal of stigmatization and promotion of a culture of tolerance, social cohesion. Investments are also needed in prevention methods and in raising the awareness of the vulnerable population, which faces a higher risk of HIV infection. There are yet challenges and the sustainability of the HIV/AIDS control programs should be ensured.
A number of 832 new cases of HIV were recorded in 2016. Of these, 95 were detected during pregnancy. Some 50% of the cases are cases of AIDS. According to unofficial statistics, over 15,000 Moldovans live with HIV in Moldova.
