Armenia

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Despite steady economic growth in the past decade, social sector spending in Armenia has yet to catch up to the regional average for Eastern Europe. Child survival rates are improving, but more work is required to reach the Millennium Development Goal of a two-thirds reduction in mortality rates by 2015.

Issues facing children in Armenia

• HIV/AIDS incidence remains low, but there is little awareness of prevention strategies, especially among vulnerable and high-risk youth.
• Orphans and children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable children in the country.
• The number of preschools is declining. Combined with poverty, this prevents 80 per cent of preschool-age children from attending kindergartens or any other type of preschool.
• Nearly a quarter of all children drop out of school by the 10th grade. Children of farm workers are often out of school for months at a time.
• Some parents keep their children out of school for fear of corporal punishment.
• Child trafficking remains a concern.

Activities and results for children

• Universal salt iodization has eliminated iodine deficiency disorders. Iodized salt is consumed in 97 per cent of Armenian households.
• Immunization rates exceed 90 per cent. The government has quadrupled its allocations for immunizations in an effort to eliminate measles. Funding has also increased for foster care, community centres and other social services for children.
• Two more hospitals were certified as ‘Baby-Friendly’ in recent years, and more than 230 health-care providers were trained to promote breastfeeding.
• Parental education classes in the Tavush region have helped mothers and fathers recognize childhood diseases and implement good health-care and nutrition practices.
• Life-skills education, including information on HIV/AIDS prevention, has been introduced to thousands of students in recent years. Youth-friendly health services have been expanded throughout the country.
• Armenia has ratified major international agreements on child prostitution, child pornography, children in armed conflict and child labour. In 2006 it ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption, which addresses issues of exploitation and child trafficking.
• The government created a Child Protection National Committee to oversee and coordinate state programmes involved in protecting children’s rights. District-level committees are being created to improve inconsistent local implementation of child protection policies.
• Alternatives to institutionalization are increasing. Institutions that formerly served students with special needs are being transformed into mainstream schools.