Sheba Doctors Treat HIV-Infected Children in Kazakhstan

Recently an Israeli medical team visited Kazakhstan to assist 80 children who were infected with the HIV virus.

Kazakhstan's Minister of Health has met with the Israeli ambassador to discuss ways of helping the children "I know about Israel and value its experience. We welcome any assistance in this matter" said the minister.

As a government investigation on this infection continued Israel was among the first countries to offer assistance by sending a medical team. The Israeli team included head of the AIDS clinic at the Sheba Medical Center, Dr. Itzik Levy, who with the team was able to check 50 children and babies. In addition the doctors met with the parents and presented them with ways of treatment and how to deal with this new situation.

The Kazakhstan government has thanked Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni for Israel's assistance. "Beyond the humanitarian and moral values that Israel has shown, this step is another step forward towards the friendship between states and nations. We will never forget the compassion, generosity and friendship that you have shown and given us" the letter mentioned.

The children's parents have also expressed their gratitude by sending thank you letters to Israel's embassy which is located in the capital. Soon an international AIDS center would be built in Kazakhstan and Israel of course has offered its help in guidance and training.

Source: Yediot Ahronot, as retold by the Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid (IsraAID)