Category: News

The AECP–CHLA 24th International Ophthalmology Conference has kicked off in Yerevan, bringing together ophthalmology specialists from leading clinics and universities in Armenia and several other countries as part of the activities of the Armenian EyeCare Project.

This is the 66th medical mission conducted in Armenia during the 35 years of the Armenian EyeCare Project’s activities.

Armenian EyeCare Project Founder and President Roger Ohanesian (USA), in his online address to the participants of the AECP–CHLA 24th International Conference: Ophthalmology, noted that for more than 30 years they have been working to improve ophthalmological services in Armenia and continue to strengthen regional ophthalmology centers and clinics, bringing quality eye care services closer to and making them more accessible to people who need them.

“At the same time, we are expanding our educational programs through professional fellowships and practical training. We are giving young specialists more opportunities to learn and develop their knowledge and professional skills. Our new nationwide program will help primary care physicians detect eye problems earlier and, when necessary, refer patients to appropriate ophthalmological services in a timely manner. In cooperation with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, in the latest phase of our schoolchildren’s vision screening program, we screened around 20,000 children,” Ohanesian said.

He added that they had also provided more than 1,100 pairs of eyeglasses to children who needed them. The program to combat glaucoma, together with Dr. Richard Hill, also continues within the framework of the Project, as does the diabetes program.

“Today, when so many people in different parts of the world are facing difficulties, each of us can make a contribution. Here in Armenia, we are doing our part by treating patients, sharing our knowledge and helping people preserve their vision and independence. I call on each of you to help others to the extent possible. We cannot solve all the problems, but we can make a real difference in even one person’s life. This has always been at the heart of the Armenian EyeCare Project’s activities,” Ohanesian said.

Nune Yeghiazaryan, Country Director of the Armenian EyeCare Project in Armenia, noted in her address that since 1992, work has been carried out within the framework of the Project stemming from the goal of developing ophthalmology in Armenia.

“All this, of course, began with the work carried out both in the mobile hospital and in other locations. It is very important that our Project began working in the development of regional infrastructure. Today there are already 16 such medical facilities located in all regions of Armenia. They were established and operate thanks to the joint efforts of the Armenian EyeCare Project and its partners,” Yeghiazaryan said.

Among the work carried out this year, she highlighted the pilot pediatric screening program in Syunik, which was implemented using a modern methodology and made it possible to make it part of universal insurance coverage.

“This year, we have also implemented a large number of educational programs, including intensive training for pediatricians, which, according to Armenian ophthalmologists, is extremely important for them. At the request of the Ministry of Health, we conducted ophthalmology training courses for family doctors. This is a nationwide program covering all family doctors working in Armenia. We have a very good team that works harmoniously with Yerevan Medical University, the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmological Center and other partners. To date, we have received very positive feedback on the usefulness of the training courses,” Yeghiazaryan said.

She added that it was very important for the Project’s organizers, at the request of the Ministry of Health, to conduct “Red Reflex” training for neurologists, which creates a very good basis for implementing subsequent programs, discussions on which are already underway.

“We also attach importance to the program that gives ophthalmologists the opportunity to very quickly discuss any difficult case within one hour with American and Armenian specialists. We are trying to establish a corneal transplant donor program, which is truly very important in Armenia. In this regard, awareness-raising work needs to be carried out. The first steps have been taken, and we expect good results. Another important initiative concerns expanding the use of scleral lenses in Armenia, which is being carried out by Armenian doctors and American specialists,” Yeghiazaryan said.

Shahane Mnatsakanyan, Deputy Minister of Health of Armenia, noted that such professional platforms not only provide an opportunity to present new knowledge, technologies and professional experience, but also create the environment for cooperation that is necessary for the sustainable development of healthcare.

“For the Ministry of Health, improving the quality and safety of medical services is one of the important strategic priorities, while in the field of ophthalmology, it is important not only to ensure access to modern and high-quality services, but also the timely prevention, early detection and effective treatment of ophthalmological diseases, and to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient,” Mnatsakanyan said.

She emphasized the contribution of the Armenian EyeCare Project to Armenia’s healthcare system. In her assessment, over the years the organization has carried out extensive work toward developing ophthalmological infrastructure in Armenia, strengthening professional capacities and introducing modern approaches. Moreover, this work is visible not only in individual programs but also in the overall development of the ophthalmology sector.

“One of the greatest values of such initiatives is that they make it possible to bring international and local experience to one platform, discuss the real problems in the sector and think together about solutions to them. The healthcare system is changing rapidly. New technologies, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and new diagnostic and treatment methods give us great opportunities, but at the same time require very intensive, continuous professional development and readiness for change,” Mnatsakanyan said.

In her view, it is important to have a healthcare system where modern medicine is accessible to patients, while the quality and safety of services should be a priority on the agenda of every medical center.

Volunteers of the Project include not only experienced physicians who have supported the Project’s programs with their dedication for decades, but also leading ophthalmologists who have joined the programs for the first time and are presenting international developments in the field to their Armenian colleagues.

The intensive one-week program includes professional discussions between volunteer physicians and ophthalmologists from ophthalmology clinics in the capital, as well as regional ophthalmology centers; surgeries for complex cases; lectures for young ophthalmologists; work at the WetLab jointly operated by the Armenian EyeCare Project and the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmological Center; and more.

The conference will feature presentations on current areas of ophthalmology, poster presentations, and a panel discussion with the participation of Armenian and American colleagues.

Armenian healthcare workers will have to pass a centralized examination to obtain an individual license to practice their profession, with the examination question banks set to be made available in November.

Alexander Bazarchyan, Director of the National Institute of Health, said at a press conference that the preparatory work is in its final stage and that the institute will soon be fully ready for the examination process.

The composition of the centralized examination commissions has been approved by an order signed by Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan.

“We are publishing the question banks so that senior healthcare workers and pharmacists who will take the examination have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with them in advance. Starting in January 2027, we will already be ready to conduct the examinations. Around 20,000 senior healthcare workers and pharmacists will have to take the examination,” Alexander Bazarchyan said.

The Director of the National Institute of Health urged doctors to register for the examinations through the Healthcare Workers Registry by the end of the year.

Karine Abrahamyan, legal adviser to the Director of the National Institute of Health, noted that every healthcare worker must be registered in the Healthcare Workers Registry to participate in the examination.

“The examinations will be conducted online. After submitting an application, starting in January, healthcare workers will be able to log into the system from any location convenient for them and take the examination. Let me say that each test will consist of 30 questions. In addition to questions related to the professional activities of healthcare workers, there will also be questions concerning rules of professional ethics and first aid. Each test will be allotted 60 minutes,” Karine Abrahamyan said, emphasizing that doctors will have the opportunity to take the examination three times.

After successfully passing the centralized examination, a healthcare worker must submit a licensing application. After the documents required by law are entered into the Healthcare Workers Registry, healthcare workers will be able to obtain an individual license.

The specialists emphasized that the Minister of Health has clearly instructed that the process be organized in the most streamlined manner possible, so that doctors do not encounter problems when applying, registering, and taking the examination.

Doctors will take the individual licensing examination only once; subsequently, new specialists entering the field will take the examination.

Doctors and pharmacists must have passed the examinations by July 1, 2027.

Armenia’s economic activity increased by 7.3% in January-August 2026 compared with the same period of 2025, according to the Statistical Committee of Armenia.

In August, economic activity was 4.5% higher than in July and 5.2% higher than in August 2025.

Construction remained the leading sector in terms of growth, with construction output in the first eight months of this year 24.7% higher than in the same period of last year, reaching AMD 471 billion 645.9 million.

In August, construction output increased by 16.9% compared with July, reaching AMD 102 billion 402.7 million. Compared with August 2025, construction output increased by 23.8%.

Services, excluding trade, ranked second in terms of growth. The volume of services in January-August was 12.8% higher than in the same period of last year, reaching AMD 3 trillion 29 billion 514.9 million.

In August, the volume of services decreased by 1.3% compared with July but increased by 11.4% compared with August 2025. The volume of services provided in August was estimated at AMD 420 billion 544.4 million.

Industrial production in the first eight months of this year was 7.4% higher than in the same period of last year, reaching AMD 2 trillion 70 billion 479.4 million. In August, industrial output increased by 1.9% compared with July but was 4.3% lower than in August 2025. Industrial output in August amounted to AMD 277 billion 401.6 million.

Trade turnover in January-August was 0.7% higher than in the same period of last year, reaching AMD 4 trillion 390 billion 33.6 million.

In August, trade turnover increased by 1.3% compared with July and by 0.1% compared with August 2025. Trade turnover in August amounted to AMD 620 billion 129.4 million.

The consumer price index in January-August was 4.5% higher than in the same months of last year. In August, consumer prices increased by 0.2% compared with July and by 4.4% compared with August 2025.

The industrial producer price index in the first eight months of the year was 8.8% higher than in the same period of last year. In August, it decreased by 0.2% compared with July and increased by 8.9% compared with June 2025.

Armenia produced 6 billion 268.4 million kWh of electricity in January-August, 5.3% more than in the same period of last year.

In August, electricity production increased by 3.6% compared with July but decreased by 4% compared with August 2025. Electricity production in August amounted to 819.7 million kWh.

The reported electricity indicator does not include electricity generated by autonomous producers in connection with electricity flows. To ensure comparability, this electricity was also excluded from the corresponding indicators for previous periods when calculating growth rates: 579.8 million kWh in May, 616.2 million kWh in June, 772.3 million kWh in July and 854.0 million kWh in August.

Data on gross agricultural output and average monthly nominal wages were not provided for the reporting period.

Armenia’s foreign trade turnover in January-August 2026 increased by 3.2% compared with the same period of the previous year, reaching $13 billion 274.3 million, according to the Statistical Committee.

In August, foreign trade turnover decreased by 13.3% compared with July, but increased by 9.8% compared with August 2025. Foreign trade turnover amounted to $1 billion 663.2 million in August.

Exports in the first eight months of the year were 6.5% lower than in the same period of the previous year, totaling $4 billion 623.9 million. In August, exports decreased by 4% compared with July, but increased by 1.3% compared with August 2025. Armenia’s exports were valued at $573.5 million in August.

Imports in January-August exceeded the figure for the same period of 2025 by 9.3%, reaching $8 billion 650.4 million. In August, imports decreased by 17.5% compared with July, while increasing by 14.9% compared with August of the previous year. Imports amounted to $1 billion 89.7 million in August.

Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan held a meeting with Elisabetta Falcetti, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Managing Director for Türkiye and the Caucasus.

A number of issues related to road construction, energy, transport and the water sector were discussed, according to the ministry’s readout.

Minister Khudatyan presented the progress of programs being implemented jointly with the EBRD and upcoming tasks. The solid household waste management program was also discussed.

The minister expressed interest in the continuation of the program and the establishment of similar landfills and waste management infrastructure in other parts of the country.

The progress of the Gyumri Urban Roads program, being implemented jointly with the EBRD, was also discussed.

Minister Khudatyan emphasized the importance of implementing the program as soon as possible.

The meeting also covered a number of other issues of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan held a meeting with Bulgarian Ambassador to Armenia Nikola Nikolov.

Grigoryan’s office said in a readout that during the meeting, the prospects for deepening cooperation between Armenia and Bulgaria in a number of strategic areas were discussed, particularly in trade and economic relations, tourism, aviation, IT, and artificial intelligence.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Bulgaria’s role in promoting major regional connectivity projects.

Regional developments were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received a delegation headed by Alexander Tieman, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Armenia.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s office said in a readout that during the meeting, issues raised within the framework of the second review of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) being implemented with the support of the IMF were discussed.

Macroeconomic developments and fiscal policy were also discussed. In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the reforms being implemented in the country with the support of the IMF and expressed gratitude for the technical assistance provided.

Head of Armenia’s Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body Hovhannes Martirosyan received a delegation led by Paul Hueper, Director of the Office of Energy Supply Chains at the US Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources.

According to a statement issued by the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, the meeting focused on issues related to deepening and expanding cooperation based on the framework memorandum signed between Armenia and the United States in 2026 on the extraction, processing and supply of critical minerals and rare mineral resources.

During the discussions, the sides addressed the exchange of geological data and professional expertise, geological mapping using modern technologies, the development of technical capacities, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the exploration, extraction, separation and processing of Armenia’s mineral resources and in programmes to rehabilitate mining areas.

Particular attention was paid to developing processing capacities that create added value.

The sides also discussed strengthening the institutional foundations of sectoral cooperation, expanding practical cooperation between the relevant state bodies, as well as exchanging international best practices and developing professional capacities.

At the end of the meeting, the sides highlighted the importance of increasing the resilience of regional and international supply chains and ensuring access to critical minerals, reaffirming their readiness to continue dialogue and practical cooperation in the sector.

As part of preparations for the Francophonie Games, which will be held in Armenia in 2027, a meeting of the interdepartmental Francophonie commission was held under the leadership of Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan.

Deputy Ministers of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Kristina Tataryan and Tigran Virabyan, as well as Secretary General Hasmik Hakobyan, also attended the meeting.

The participants discussed issues related to the responsibilities of state agencies involved in the organisational work.

“Armenia has been granted the right to host the 2027 Francophonie Games, which is a very important event for our country. The proper organisation of this large-scale event depends on the work of each of us, for which we must spare no effort,” Andreasyan was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the ministry.

According to the Minister, during the preceding period, an application outlining the full scope of the work was drawn up in cooperation with partners from the International Organisation of La Francophonie. It was decided to organise the work in three areas. The first concerns the organisation of the Games themselves, for which an organising company will be engaged; the tender has already been announced. The second concerns the opening and closing ceremonies as a separate component, for which an organisation will also be selected through a competitive process. The third concerns broadcasting, which will be carried out in cooperation with the Public Television Company.

The importance of complying with health standards, maintaining public order during the Games, ensuring the uninterrupted movement and safety of participants, and properly organising the entry of invited guests and participants into Armenia was emphasised.

Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the necessary infrastructure for the proper organisation of sporting and cultural events in Yerevan, Abovyan and Armavir. In this context, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said that, under a Government decision, reconstruction and renovation work will be carried out at Hrazdan Stadium, creating infrastructure that meets international standards.

A number of other issues related to the organisation of the Francophonie Games were also discussed at the meeting.