Today I Am Alive: Protest with Red Cloaks and Black Masks in Front of the Government

Employees of the Republican Center for HIV Prevention, along with several citizens living with HIV and receiving support from the center, gathered in front of the government building. They oppose the proposed merger of the HIV Prevention Center with the 'Nork' Infectious Clinical Hospital.

"Today I am alive, today I am crossing the road with those people, it has been 9 years already. That’s why I have concerns. If the ministry says they want to improve everything, then let them specify what is lacking, what needs to be improved; they must state what is wrong, right?" said Arman Avchyan, who has been receiving treatment at the center for 9 years with HIV-positive status.

Anahit Harutyunyan, the head of the NGO 'Positive People Armenian Network', mentioned in an interview with reporters that people living with HIV who were present at the gathering called them expressing concern about the merger of the center and requesting to stand by their doctors.

"Since 2003, we have a national program, which includes clear statistics on the prevalence of infections among vulnerable groups, when it started, and where the strategic directions have been set. Since 2005, all patients needing treatment have received it. Until today, there has never been an interruption," she noted.

Also participating in the gathering were other individuals living with HIV, who wore red cloaks and black masks.