(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)  The Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) Monday called on decision makers to make concerted efforts to fight the AIDS virus and its severe impact on societies, through treatment for all those infected without any exceptions. On the occasion of World AIDS Day, which is observed on December 1 every year, the NGO also demanded increased efforts to stop the spread of HIV, in addition to behavioral changes to decrease the risk of contraction and increase the access to preventive materials.

The association said that AIDS Day is an opportunity to remind the world that the HIV virus remains one of the most transmitted viruses at the global level and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, noting that the use of drugs through injections is one of most common methods responsible for the spread of HIV in the MENA region.

The association said the total number of drug addicts in 20 countries of the region is around 570,000, with many of them in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, and Pakistan.