Armenian Health Officials Urge HIV Testing for All—Free and Anonymous Services Available

The world is making remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and Armenia is no exception. With World AIDS Day approaching on December 1, Armenian health officials are emphasizing the nation’s progress in controlling and treating the disease, while raising awareness about the critical importance of early detection and prevention.

During a press conference on November 25, Spartak Petrosyan, Acting Director of the Armenian National Center for Infectious Diseases, shared a groundbreaking development in medical science: HIV/AIDS is now a treatable condition. He explained that patients with access to appropriate treatment can live healthy, normal lives, avoid transmitting the virus to others, and even have healthy children.

“This is an important message,” Petrosyan said. “Society should not fear this disease. There is treatment, there is a way to manage it. People simply need to follow their doctor’s advice and take timely action to prevent spreading the infection.”

Petrosyan emphasized that HIV, like many infectious diseases, has a "latent period" during which symptoms may not appear for 10 years or longer. Early treatment during this stage greatly simplifies disease management.

To address this, Armenia has implemented regular testing for high-risk groups and launched extensive awareness campaigns. These efforts have led to a noticeable decline in HIV spread among traditionally at-risk populations. However, Petrosyan cautioned that the infection rate is now rising among individuals who were not previously classified as high-risk.

Anna Mergelyan, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Center for Infectious Diseases, provided detailed statistics about HIV in Armenia. Since the first recorded case in 1988, the country has reported 6,076 cases of HIV infection as of October 31, 2024, including 438 cases among foreign nationals.

Mergelyan noted that 70% of HIV patients in Armenia are men, and nearly half of the cases involve individuals aged 25-39 at the time of diagnosis. The primary mode of transmission remains heterosexual contact (76%), followed by drug injection (14%), and homosexual contact (7%). However, the proportion of cases involving homosexual contact has risen to 12% in 2024, and drug injection-related cases now account for 6%.

Vardan Arzakanyan, Head of the Department of Epidemiological Control and Consultation, spoke about the growing emphasis on targeted research and testing across Armenia. In 2024, 462 cases have already been detected, with Shirak Province showing higher prevalence rates. He attributed this rise in detections to increased testing efforts, which allow for earlier identification and better treatment outcomes.

“Early detection enables us to provide quality treatment, helping individuals live healthier lives while preventing further spread of the disease,” Arzakanyan explained. He added that HIV services in Armenia, including testing, diagnosis, and treatment, are offered free of charge—not only for Armenian citizens but also for anyone residing in the country. Testing can even be conducted anonymously, ensuring privacy for those hesitant to reveal their identity.

Arzakanyan strongly recommended that anyone who has had unprotected sex with a person of unknown HIV status undergo testing—not only for HIV but also for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as hepatitis B and C.

He also urged individuals who use injectable drugs and labor migrants to get tested, citing that nearly half of HIV patients in Armenia contracted the virus while working abroad, predominantly in Russia. Many of these individuals unknowingly bring the infection home and risk transmitting it to their partners.

The progress Armenia has made in combating HIV/AIDS is significant, yet challenges remain. Officials continue to focus on raising awareness, encouraging early testing, and expanding access to free treatment services. The message is clear: HIV is no longer a death sentence. With timely intervention, patients can lead healthy lives, free from stigma and fear.

As the world marks World AIDS Day on December 1, Armenia’s health leaders urge everyone to take responsibility for their health. Testing, awareness, and access to treatment can turn the tide against HIV/AIDS—not just in Armenia, but around the globe.