Experts point to increase in number of people infected with HIV in Moldova

Chisinau, 14 May /MOLDPRES/ - Experts in healthcare point to an increase in the number of persons infected with HIV; in most cases, the disease affect young people, of reproductive age and able to work.

According to data by the Health Ministry, in late 2015, more than 10,200 cases of HIV were recorded in Moldova, of which 58 per cent - in men and 42 per cent – in women. Almost 40 per cent of the persons hit by this disease were diagnosed too late. At the same time, estimative data show that about 18,000 people would live with HIV and only a half of them know their status.  

Deputy Health Minister Aliona Serbulenco has said that “all conditions have been created in Moldova for a safe, voluntary, confidential and free of charge testing of people sick with HIV.” They may demand anonymous counseling before and following the testing. The knowledge of the HIV status and starting the treatment provide an absolutely normal life for the affected persons, their family members and even for the future children,” Serbulenco noted.    

“Presently, 62 consultative cabinets provide services of counseling and voluntary testing of residents. Also, four social centres have been recently opened in Chisinau, Balti, Comrat and Tiraspol. They offer assistance and protection to persons infected with HIV/AIDS and favour the social inclusion of the people infected,” reads a press release by the Labour, Social Protection and Family Ministry.   

To inform the society on the need of HIV testing, as well as to motivate for a tolerant attitude towards HIV-positive persons, the Labour, Social Protection and Family Ministry, in partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Moldova and Positive Initiative public association, during one month will carry out a campaign titled „Te priveşte! Priveşte pe fiecare! Testează-te HIV!” (This Concerns You! This Concerns Everybody! Check Yourself HIV!) The campaign represents an opportunity to prove the will of preventing the HIV infection and back people who live with this disease.    

(Reporter A. Plitoc, editor L. Alcaza)