YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Armenia reported a decline in infant mortality rates from 18.5 in 1990 to 14.2 in 1996–stated Deputy Health Minister Bagrat Sayadian at a World Health Organization meeting "Health for Everyone in the 21st Century in the Context of European Policy." He noted that by this index Armenia is sharply distinguished among other countries of former Soviet states–including the Baltic states. The reason–according to Sayadian–is the active help of international organizations like WHO–UNICEF and independent funds aimed specifically for immunization–rehabilitation and food.
Defining the policy and strategy of WHO’s programs–Hrayr Aslikian–head of the office for coordination of WHO’s relations in Armenia–noted that its realization requires joint efforts of many governmental and non-governmental structures. It was noted that the protection of the health of children and their mothers requires certain social and educational changes.
The meeting was attended by representatives of WHO–UNICEF–WB–UNFPA–UMCOR–MSF–ICU.