Over 7,000 persons infected with HIV in Moldova

As many as 430 people suffered from AIDS in Moldova last year, by 130 more than in 2010. According to the Ministry of Health, 721 new cases of HIV infection were discovered in 2011. The data were made public in a roundtable meeting organized by the Journalistic Investigations Center, which centered on the importance of not discriminating against the HIV-infected people, Info-Prim Neo reports. Over 7,000 persons were infected with HIV at the end of last year. More than 2,000 of them live on the left side of the Nistru. The largest number of HIV-infected people was recorded in the municipalities of Balti and Chisinau and in the cities of Tiraspol and Bender, while the lowest number in Stefan Voda and Rezina districts. The HIV is contracted mainly through sexual intercourse, while infection through injective drugs has diminished. Most of the HIV-infected persons got infected at the age of 15 to 39. The participants in the meeting pleaded for non-discriminatory methods at medical centers and other state institutions and at social level. Natalia Mardari, coordinator of the Litigation Program of the Institute for Human Rights (IDOM), said the test for AIDS should be excluded from the employment process in certain areas. She also recommended using appropriate terms when treating this subject, keeping the confidentiality of the personal data of the HIV-infected persons at medical centers and adopting antidiscrimination legislation for this group of people. In Moldova there are 17 AIDS diagnosis laboratories. The HIV-infected persons receive treatment free of charge.