TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Mehr News Agency) -- There was an increase in number of infected cases with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the pathogen that causes AIDS, in the Mediterranean region including Iran, head of infectious diseases department of the Health Ministry said in Tehran on Tuesday.

World AIDS Day Conference in Tehran

"Of an estimated 80,000 people living with the disease across the country, only 20,130 individuals have been so far diagnosed with the virus," Mohammad-Mehdi Guya told reporters at a conference marking the World AIDS Day.

Referring to the global steady decrease in the infection rate, he said, "The rate is unfortunately increasing in the Mediterranean region including Iran."

According to Guya, "In 2009, there was 2,700,000 people of newly infected with HIV, and 2 million lost their lives due to the disease."

Minoo Moharrez, member of AIDS National Committee

By promoting and protecting human rights, and advancing education and gender equality, especially for the most vulnerable and most at risk populations, we can make the AIDS response more effective.

In some parts of the world, girls and women are disproportionately affected by the virus due to the global failure to address their vulnerability.

Dr. Aliakbar Velayati speaking at the AIDS conference

According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 2008 report, nearly 10 percent of maternal deaths were associated with HIV, and yet less than half of HIV-positive pregnant women received ARV drugs to prevent HIV transmission to their children. Together, we can achieve the joint goals of universal access to reproductive health and universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by working together to preserve maternal and child health while working to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.

... Payvand News - 12/01/09 ... --