Providing credit support for people living and working with HIV.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam recently signed Decision No. 29/2014/QD-TTg, dated April 26, 2014, on credit for households and individuals infected with HIV, those who have completed drug rehabilitation, those undergoing opioid addiction treatment with substitute drugs, and reformed sex workers.

People who have completed drug rehabilitation programs and are provided with loans and job opportunities will reduce their risk of relapse. Source: tiengchuong.vn

Personal eligibility requirements for loan applicants: Individuals infected with HIV who have a positive HIV test result from a qualified testing facility; Individuals undergoing opioid addiction treatment with substitute medication who have completed the titration period and have maintained stable treatment for at least 3 months, with confirmation from the head of the treatment facility; Rehabilitated sex workers with confirmation from the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level that they are no longer engaging in prostitution; Individuals legally residing and living stably in the locality where the loan is granted; Individuals with a production and business plan and the ability to repay the loan as committed; Individuals living alone or with children under working age, or living with parents, spouse, grandparents, siblings who are past working age or no longer able to work.

According to the Decision, the loan amount is based on the borrowing needs and repayment capacity of each individual and household, and does not require collateral, but shall not exceed the following limits: For individuals, the maximum loan amount is 20 million VND. For households, the maximum loan amount is 30 million VND. Borrowers may borrow capital multiple times, but the total outstanding debt shall not exceed the maximum loan amount as stipulated. In cases where an individual or household is simultaneously eligible for loans from other preferential programs at the Social Policy Bank, only one of those preferential programs will be considered for a loan.

Purpose of borrowing: Purchasing supplies, livestock, animal feed, tools, goods, and vehicles for business and trade; Investing in household handicrafts such as purchasing raw materials, tools, machinery, and equipment; Contributing capital to implement production and business plans with other individuals or organizations.

The decision also stipulates that the lending interest rate will be equal to the interest rate for loans to poor households as determined by the Government for each period. In addition, the interest rate for overdue loans will be calculated at 130% of the lending interest rate. The maximum loan term is 60 months. During the pilot phase (2014-2016), the maximum loan term was 36 months. From 2014 to 2016, the pilot program was implemented in 15 provinces and cities. From 2017 onwards, it will be expanded nationwide.

This decision takes effect from June 15, 2014.

According to the Communist Party of Vietnam