TEHRAN -- Dr. Mohraz member of domestic committee for Campaign Against AIDS in the first conference of Scientific Society of Iranian Pharmacists said: "The number of the people suffering from AIDS is ascending spirally. "Based on the latest statistics announced, 3,912 HIV-affected patients have been recognized throughout the country. However, the number of the whole people suffering from the disease is much larger.

"One of the most important ways to prevent AIDS from spreading through the country is replacing oral narcotic drugs for injectable ones -- the method confirmed by many foreign experts -- in prisons. Despite frequent proposals, however, the schedule has not been implemented in the prisons.

Pointing to the fact that the government prepares free medicine to the AIDS afflicted, he said: "Medication cost for every HIV sufferer is about $1,000 monthly. The treatment, however, is not the ultimate solution.

It is worth mentioning that the first gathering of the Scientific Society of Iranian Pharmacists, aimed at the acquaintance of the physicians and pharmacists with infectious diseases and their treatment and also for discussions and negotiations among physicians was held in Razi conference center August 2-4.

Addiction, AIDS, Hepatitis, tuberculosis, logical prescription of anti-biotics, drug resistivity and bioterrorism were among the most important subjects discussed and negotiated in the conference.