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HIV/AIDS
epidemiology in
Georgia |
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According to the
Georgian AIDS and Clinical
Immunology Research Center by
March 18, 2012 a total of
3724 HIV/AIDS cases have been
registered including 2732 men
and 992 women.
Injecting drug use
continues to
remain an important
route of HIV
transmission -
53,0% of registered cases.
The majority of patients in
Georgia are within the age group
of 29-40. 2379 patients
developed AIDS. 816 patients
have died.
Although Georgia maintains HIV/AIDS low prevalence the spread
of HIV/AIDS is observed year by
year. Georgian
AIDS and Clinical Immunology
Research Center is a main
institution responsible for
development, implementation and
coordination of all activities
against HIV/AIDS epidemic spread
in Georgia. It is the
governmental institution
affiliated with Department of
Pubic Health of the Ministry of
Labor, Health and Social
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Affairs.
The Center was established in 1989 on
the bases of the first HIV/AIDS
Diagnostic Laboratory at the Hospital of
Infectious Diseases in Tbilisi, Georgia.
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About
Harm Reduction |
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“Harm
Reduction” means to reduce harm in the society
caused by drug use via medical, social, and political approaches.
When
discussing drug use and HIV/AIDS prevalence, it is almost impossible not to
mention “Harm Reduction” as one of the most effective tool to prevent (or
limit) the spread of HIV/AIDS and other blood transmitted life threatening
infections.
It
includes utilizing complex prophylactic measures among drug users; for
example syringe exchange, methadone treatment (substitutive therapy),
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elementary medical education, social workers’ outreach work with the risk
groups and etc.
Harm
reduction methods were first implemented in Europe in 1980s, paving way for
its implementation in Asia and Caucasus. The
number of harm reduction programs
increased and changed not only by
quantity but also by quality. In some
countries harm reduction was
recognized as the state strategy.
Harm
reduction program in Georgia was
launched in 2001 years in spite of
legislative or other various
difficulties harm reduction program is
exists throughout Georgia. |
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About Methadone Substitution
Therapy |
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Þ
Reduction or even
stopping of illicit
drug
use
Þ
Reduction of
criminal offences
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Reduction of
overdose and death cases related
to drug use
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Þ
Prophylaxis of HIV/AIDS,
viral hepatitis and other dangerous
diseases related to drug use
Þ
Patient’s health
improvement
Methadone
Substitution
Therapy Program in Georgia
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