On 31 October 2011, the Day of 7 Billion was marked with the birth of the symbolic 7 billionth child at Artik Mother and Child Healthcare Center. The honoring event was initiated by UNFPA Armenia country office and the Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Representatives from Artik Municipality, Shirak Marzpetaran Healthcare Department, Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as journalists and residents of Artik participated in the event.

Vahram Voskanyan, born on 31 October 2011, at 00:20, who weighs 2.9 kg and is 50 cm tall, became the symbolic 7 billionth child in Armenia. Mother of the child is a housewife, and the father is a labor migrant.

According to UN estimations the world’s population reached 7 billion on October 31, 2011. As it is virtually impossible to precisely determine who and where will be born as the 7 billionth child, in different countries of the world, including Armenia the Day of 7 Billion was marked by choosing a symbolic 7 billionth child.

Mr. Simon Manukyan, Director of Artik Mother and Child Healthcare Center, Mr. Razmik Abrahamyan, Director, Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Mr. Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Armenia Country Office Assistant Representative greeted the participants of the event. Khachatur Varagyan, Artik Mayor, announced that has become the Godfather of little Vahram.

Following the opening speeches, Healthcare Center staff and the guests greeted and congratulated the symbolic 7 billionth child and his mother and gave presents to them as well as to all new and future mothers present at the Center. UNFPA and the Institute of Perinatology donated an ultrasound scanner to Artik Mother and Child Healthcare Center, as an investment into the Center’s effective work.

In anticipation of the Day of the 7 Billion, UNFPA has held a number of events starting from July 11, World Population Day, to emphasize the importance of this event.