KHUJAND, May 10, Asia-Plus - HIV-sufferers living in the northern province of Sughd are not in hurry to enjoy free treatment, Habibullo Oripov, Director of the Sughd AIDS Center , said  

According to him, seven of 37 tested HIV-infected individuals living in northern Tajikistan have been chosen for treating by anti-virus preparations.  “The results of lab test have shown that those chosen seven persons have needs, first of all, in taking medicines raising organism’s immunity.  However, they have not yet expressed will to take treatment.  One of this group has left for Russia in search of seasonal work, the other one has declined the treatment at all, and two others are still at home,” said Mr. Oripov, “We have visited them, explaining the necessity of taking medicines.  The remaining three HIV-sufferers are currently in jail and we have not yet been allowed to visit them.”   

According to the Sughd AIDS Center head, the anti-virus therapy is a long process.  “At present we are ready to make therapy to 20 HIV-infected residents of the region,” the doctor said, noting that according to the Center’s figures, 189 people have lived with HIV infection in Sughd.