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VivaCell-MTS and Mission East Humanitarian Aid Organization Armenian Branch join efforts in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The number of registered HIV/AIDS cases in Armenia increases every year. According to the official statistics, the number of cases, registered since 1988, has reached 2481. The estimate is even bigger – 3600. This is attributable to the fact that people avoid visiting health care facilities for testing.

Aiming at prevention of HIV/AIDS, within the frames of the Global Fund grant “Support to the National Programme on the Response to HIV Epidemic in the Republic of Armenia” programme is implemented. The programme is coordinated by Mission East Armenia Humanitarian Aid Organization (HAO) Armenian Branch through 4 sub-recipient civil society organizations’ projects. Since 2016 VivaCell-MTS, the leading telecommunications operator in Armenia has joined the programme as private sector, bringing an exemplary social responsibility approach. The financial support provided by the Company will be used for the implementation of the programme’s objectives.

The activities of the programme include increasing HIV/AIDS awareness of target groups, distribution of prevention means, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV aimed at early detection of HIV cases, as well as provision of care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS. All the services and interventions conducted in the frames of the program are free for the citizens of Armenia, and confidentiality is guaranteed by the law.

"There is no “mine and yours” with HIV infection. The problem is everyone’s, be it target groups, or general population. Significant migration from Armenia shifted the HIV epidemic in our country. Everyone who has ever had a risky behavior should get tested. The programme encourages taking responsibility for personal, loved ones’ and others’ health, and, as the first step, getting tested for HIV. Tolerant attitude towards people living with HIV is also very important. The willingness of most at risk people to get tested is strongly linked to that. “Hatred, silence and intolerance will never encourage people to realize the need of prevention and importance of testing," said Armen Bezhanyan, Country Director of Mission East HAO Armenian Branch.

For HIV testing, please, visit National Center for AIDS Prevention, Medical Scientific Center of Dermatology and Venereology or any other healthcare facility performing VCT (women’s consultations, policlinics, etc.).