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"Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have reached epidemic proportions in Belarus. At present, there are 132.6 syphilis and 80 gonorrhea cases per 100,000 people whereas 50 cases per 100,000 people is considered the epidemic level."
"Mr. Pankratov said that among STD patients were children aged 9-11 who contracted a disease from their sexual partner."
"The Homel region is the hardest hit by STDs, because, as he said, high radiation levels intensify sexual activity. The lowest level of STDs is in the Hrodna region, which is richer in cultural and religious traditions."
"Mr. Pankratov said that the health authorities do their best to combat STDs."
Source: BelaPAN, No. 9; Tuesday, April 4, 2000; 1:30 p.m.
"According to Mr Navrotsky, the number of syphilis cases rose from 15,355 in 1995 to 21,616 in 1996 and fell to 20,345 in 1997. But, he said, the number of syphilis cases reported in Belarus each year is 100-200 times as many as in Denmark or the Netherlands."
"The number of new cases fell by 31 percent in Minsk, 6.5 percent in the Vitebsk region and 4 percent in the Brest region. In the other regions the epidemic was on the rise. The sharpest rise was registered in the Mogilyov region (12 percent). Syphilis cases rose by 10 percent in the Grodno region, by 7 percent in the Minsk region, and by 1.4 percent in the Gomel region. Seventy percent of those who contract the disease are young people aged between 15 and 29."
"Among the positive steps taken recently to combat the disease Mr Navrotsky named the opening of anonymous diagnosing laboratories and the treatment of out-patients in hospitals in the day-time. He believes that not enough measures are being taken to inform people about correct sexual behaviour. Under regulations currently in force, many sexual education books are regarded as X-rated literature and may not be sold in book stores."
Source: BelaPAN, No. 7; Thursday, July 2, 1998; 4:10 p.m.
"The meeting is attended by representatives of Red Cross Societies from Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden and the United States, as well as of the World Health Organisation and UNICEF together with the National Societies of Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Russia."
" 'The continuing economic difficulties facing people across Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Russia during the 1990s have dramatically affected" health care in these countries and "progress made formerly in the field of health has been virtually lost through impoverishment, declining living standards and a re-emergence of formerly forgotten "social illnesses,' said Hakan Hellberg of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies during the meeting. Participants at the meeting are also to discuss a draft plan. Particular attention is being paid to strengthening the Visiting Nurse service, which remains a major programme of the national Societies of Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Russia."
"According to the news release, in 1996, the Red Cross conducted a diphtheria vaccination campaign in the region which brought the epidemic under control, reducing more than twofold the incidence of the disease. Now similar joint efforts are planned for the new and re-emerging diseases and social problems."
Source: BelaPAN, No. 61; Tuesday, May 19, 1998; 7:50 p.m.
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