Couples are passing examination for thalassemia, HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, hemoglobinopathies before marriage in Azerbaijan, Health Minister Ogtay Shiraliyev said at the ministry’s board meeting, according to APA.

He said the ministry achieved organization of the medical examination of couples in Baku and all districts in a short period of time, though it is a complicated process. “Unfortunately, inherited blood diseases were found in 7% of the couples. However, these examinations allow achieving significant progress both in the fight against diseases and health of babies of the future,” he said.

The minister added that up to 300 000 people with diabetes were provided with medicines and others by the state. Shiraliyev said insulin pumps are used for children instead of several injections from last year and it improves quality of life.