On April 11, a pivotal working session convened at the premises of the “Real World, Real People” social NGO, marking a significant milestone in Armenia’s approach to HIV treatment and testing. Representatives from esteemed institutions including the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Infectious Diseases, the UNAIDS, and the World Health Organization Armenian office gathered for an insightful discussion.
The focal point of the session was a comprehensive comparative analysis of HIV treatment in the Republic of Armenia, along with clinical guidelines for laboratory diagnosis. Researchers Ruben Hovhannisyan, an epidemiologist, and Vaghinak Ter-Hovhannisyan, a legal expert, presented their findings, shedding light on crucial aspects of HIV management in the country.
Central to the discussions was the unveiling of the National Optimization Strategy, designed to align Armenia’s HIV treatment and testing practices with the latest WHO recommendations. The strategy, based on the WHO’s 2021 guidelines, aims to enhance the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions, elevate public health outcomes, and ensure national protocols meet international standards.
The analysis highlighted disparities between the Armenian guidelines and the WHO recommendations, particularly regarding HIV testing services. While the WHO guidelines advocate for a human rights-based approach to testing, emphasizing principles of informed consent and confidentiality, the Armenian guidelines lack detailed provisions in these areas. Additionally, issues such as universal health coverage, gender equality, and the needs of vulnerable groups receive insufficient attention in the Armenian framework.
To address these gaps, the strategy outlines key harmonization areas including HIV testing and diagnosis, prevention strategies, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and healthcare service provision. By aligning these domains with international best practices, Armenia aims to improve the accessibility, availability, acceptability, and quality of HIV services nationwide.
The meticulous comparative analysis (https://bit.ly/4cUglQl ), prepared by RWRP NGO, forms part of the broader regional initiative “Sustainability of services for key populations in the EECA region” (SoS project 2.0). This collaborative effort, led by the Alliance for Public Health in partnership with CO “100% Life,” receives vital support from the Global Fund.
In addition to the analysis, the session also explored research findings on the reasons for discontinuation of ARV treatment among people living with HIV in Armenia, further enriching the dialogue. A dynamic Q&A session followed, providing a platform for participants to exchange insights, raise pertinent issues, and propose actionable recommendations.
As Armenia progresses in combating HIV/AIDS, such collaborative efforts serve as crucial milestones, bringing the nation closer to its goal of achieving global standards in HIV treatment and testing.