The United Nations agency responsible for HIV/AIDS issues warns that in Vietnam, the pandemic has entered a stage where any delay could result in thousands of lost lives. Currently, there are approximately 263,000 people living with HIV in the country.
The national healthcare system must prepare to welcome around 5,000 to 10,000 new HIV/AIDS cases each year.
The severe outbreak in Vietnam is attributed to a combination of drug injection and prostitution. It is estimated that one in three people who inject drugs is HIV positive. This rate is higher in major cities such as Hai Phong, Can Tho, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
According to the United Nations agency for HIV/AIDS, in 2005, there were 3 million AIDS-related deaths, with more than one-sixth being children. Currently, there are 40.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children. This is the latest data from the United Nations regarding the global HIV/AIDS situation. The number of HIV-positive individuals continues to rise in all regions of the world. The area with the highest number of HIV infections is Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for two-thirds of global infections and 77% of women living with HIV worldwide.
To help reduce the rate of HIV infections in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, is organizing a National Scientific Conference themed “Expanding Prevention and Treatment Interventions for HIV/AIDS.” The conference officially opened on the afternoon of November 24 and will run until the afternoon of November 26, serving as a platform for domestic experts to meet and exchange experiences in AIDS prevention work with over 200 delegates from around the world. There are 200 scientific research topics related to HIV/AIDS being presented at this conference.
On the evening of November 26, the Ministry of Health will hold a meeting in response to World AIDS Day at April 30 Square on Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Approximately 5,000 people are expected to attend.
My Lan
