On November 29, the Ministry of Health held a rally with the theme "Fairness and equality in access to HIV/AIDS prevention and control services - Towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
One of the world's leading countries in HIV treatment quality
Speaking at the event, Ms. Dao Hong Lan - Minister of Health said: In recent years, the HIV/AIDS prevention and control program has achieved many positive results, becoming one of the bright spots in HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the region and globally.
In 2024, nearly 48,000 people nationwide will participate in opioid addiction treatment with substitution drugs, and nearly 70,000 people will receive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In 2023, Vietnam will be the leading country in Asia-Pacific in the number of people receiving PrEP treatment, helping to control 97% of users from the risk of HIV infection.
HIV/AIDS treatment has achieved many successes, currently nationwide there are nearly 183,000 patients receiving ARV treatment. Vietnam is also one of the world's leading countries in the quality of HIV treatment with over 97% of people infected with HIV treated with antiretroviral drugs having viral loads below the detection threshold.
In recent times, Vietnam has made efforts to mobilize domestic financial resources for HIV/AIDS prevention and control, especially the payment of HIV/AIDS treatment services through the Health Insurance Fund. Localities have also increased the budget for the program through financial assurance projects or plans, promoting the participation of the private sector in HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
Financial assurance for HIV/AIDS prevention and control
Launching the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long - Chairman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drug and Prostitution Prevention and Control requested the Ministry of Health to continue perfecting the law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control to ensure it is suitable for reality and consistent with the relevant legal system.
Research and apply new technical measures and initiatives on HIV/AIDS prevention and control globally; guide and support localities in implementing a variety of effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control models.
To achieve the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic in Vietnam before 2030, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long requested ministries, branches, central and local agencies, and socio-political organizations to identify HIV/AIDS prevention and control as a content in the socio-economic development program and plan; continue to effectively implement the Party and State's policies and guidelines, increase investment, allocate budget, and ensure finance for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
Review, supplement and perfect the law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control to ensure consistency and synchronization. Issue mechanisms and policies, create a favorable environment to increase the participation of organizations and individuals; continue to innovate and improve the quality of information, propaganda and education, especially against stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS.
For the health sector, it is necessary to mobilize and effectively use all resources; promote the application of science and technology, achievements of the 4.0 industrial revolution for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Focus on implementing specialized solutions for HIV/AIDS prevention and control, prioritizing facilities and areas with high risk of infection.
Create favorable conditions for people to access HIV/AIDS prevention and control services. Mobilize the participation of private health care in disease treatment. Improve professional capacity and skills and have appropriate remuneration policies for HIV/AIDS prevention and control staff.
People living with HIV need to have a positive outlook, a new mindset about living with HIV, promoting rights and health care for themselves and others in the same situation; towards a society without discrimination and a future without HIV/AIDS.
The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed: The Vietnamese Government is committed to continuing to prioritize resources, develop synchronous policies and direct more effective implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention and control; at the same time, calling for the participation of the entire political system, the active participation of social organizations, businesses, people and the coordination and support of the international community.
With determination and solidarity, the Deputy Prime Minister believes that Vietnam will continue to achieve greater achievements in the fight against HIV/AIDS, fulfilling the goal of "ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030"; thereby, continuing to contribute responsibly with the international community to successfully control this pandemic.
