In Montenegro, during this year, six new cases of AIDS and five infected with the HIV virus were registered, while one person died as a result of the disease.
Doctor from the Institute of Public Health, Aleksandra Marjanović, said that since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Montenegro, which began in 1989, until December 1, a total of 153 people infected with HIV were registered.
"Which makes the prevalence of that infection in Montenegro 0,02 and one of the lowest in Europe," she said at today's press conference, on the occasion of December 1 - the International Day against HIV/AIDS.
In Montenegro, HIV is most often transmitted sexually, in 85 percent of cases, only five percent of those registered were infected through blood, while four percent of them were infected as a result of intracensal drug use.
She added that in the same period, 38 people died of AIDS, and that the number of infected men was significantly higher (130 people).
According to Marjanović, there are 65 people out of 72 at the Infectious Disease Clinic of the Clinical Center of Montenegro, who are regularly monitored.
"This year, 11 new HIV/AIDS cases were registered in Montenegro. At the time of diagnosis of HIV infection, six newly registered persons were already in the stage of AIDS, while five were registered in the stage of asymptomatic HIV infection. This year, one death from AIDS," she said.
Marjanović stated that the largest number of HIV infections, 76 percent, are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 39.
She pointed out that in Montenegro, HIV is most often transmitted sexually, in 85 percent of cases, that only five percent of those registered were infected through blood, while four percent of them were infected due to intracensal drug use.
"Vertical transmission of HIV was registered in three children, that is, in two cases," said Marjanović.
Assistant Minister of Health Mensud Grbović said that the available data show that HIV is present in Montenegro, but that it is under control.
Marjanović assessed that, based on the monitoring so far, it can be concluded that reporting the HIV infection itself is correct.
"However, when it comes to the reporting of deaths caused by this infection, it can be concluded that it is inadequate, that is, not every death caused by HIV infection is reported," she said.
Marjanović clarified that the most significant factors affecting this are the fact that a certain number of infected people have moved out of the country, as well as the fact that not all AIDS patients die in hospitals.
She said that from 1997 to 2012, the highest rate of testing, excluding voluntary donors, was among outpatient/hospital patients who are tested at the request of prescribing physicians for diagnostic and preoperative purposes.
Marjanović added that during the European testing week, counseling and testing were carried out with rapid tests in health centers in Podgorica, Berane, Bar, Bijelo Polje, Kotor, Pjevlja, Nikšić and Herceg Novi, while night tests will be organized tomorrow for all citizens in Podgorica. , Bjelo Polje and Herzegovinian Health Center.
There are currently 35,3 million people living with HIV in the world
"However, the infectious potential, the present social factors, which can influence the infection to get out of control, force us to be careful and demand even greater efforts and engagement from us. Creating an adequate environment for those affected by this infection is our priority obligation and is conditioned by a dedicated fight against stigma and discrimination," he said.
Grbović assessed that the awareness of the citizens of Montenegro about the problems that arise as a result of HIV infection and the sensibility for people who have it, is not at an enviable level, "but progress is visible among young people who speak more openly about sexual behavior and health".
He reminded that raising knowledge about HIV/AIDS affects the reduction of the population's misconceptions, stating that with knowledge comes rational thinking, the use of protective equipment and "in the event of an accident, when there is an exposure, take advantage of the counseling services for confidential testing." .
The program manager of CAZAS, Sanja Šišović, said that 35,3 million people are currently living with HIV in the world.
"In the previous year, 1,6 million people died as a result of AIDS, and compared to 2005, there were 29 percent fewer cases of death from AIDS," she pointed out.
Šišović believes that these data clearly show the importance of various prevention programs that are implemented in the world, in which Montenegro also participates.
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