Minister of Health S.Lambaa gave a detailed answer in Parliament
last week to a question by G.Bayarsaikhan on the implementation of the law on
prevention of HIV/ AIDS. The first HIV/AIDS case was registered in 1992 and the
number was 83 at the end of November, 2010, 65.3% of them diagnosed since 2007.
All the cases were found to have been sexually
transmitted. Of those registered, 24 had worked abroad and 4 were infected by foreign
citizens working and living in Mongolia. Five of those registered are between15-19,
while 15 are between 20-24, 24 between 25-29, 12 between 30-34, 13 between
35-39, 12 between 40-45 and one between 45-50. All five children of HIV/AIDS
infected mothers have been found without the infection.
Prevention and control of HIV/AIDS is not only a health
issue. The Government, donor and UN organizations work together in a UN program
to achieve best results. Efforts are always made improve diagnostic and
treatment methods of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. All
aimag hospitals now offer free blood analysis and 100 doctors and medical
workers gave been trained since 2008, in cooperation with NGOs.
The Center of Infectious Disease Research is now equipped
to test all new born children within three days for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
infection. Preventive faciliities have been improved in 8 aimags.
G.Bayarsaikhan expressed concern that there were 10 new HIV/AIDS
cases since 2009, and said the fact that the Government took five months to
answer his question shows its lack of seriousness. He called for improved
services and suggested restrictions on cosmetic surgery.
