QURGHON TEPPA, August 29, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- An inter-district AIDS center has been opened in Khatlon’s Rumi district. 

Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, the Khatlon regional AIDS center director Davron Qunghurotov said that the inter-district AIDS center will cover Rumi, Jilikul and Qumsangir districts.  “Similar center has also been established in Shahritus,” said Qunghurotov, “The Shahritus center serve the population of Shahritus, Qubodiyon and Nosir Khusrav districts.” 

 According to him, 44 new cases of HIV have been registered in the province since the beginning of this year, bringing a total number of HIV sufferers in Khatlon to 236.  “Since 2004, 34 HIV-infected persons have died of concomitant diseases,” the Khatlon AIDS center director said.  

He added that five HIV-infected women had given birth this year.  The babies are currently under supervision of the center.  

 28 people living with HIV in Khatlon are now undergoing antiretroviral therapy, Qunghurotov said.