Vietnam aims to end the AIDS epidemic.

This goal was set at the launch ceremony for the United Nations' 90-90-90 program aimed at ending the AIDS epidemic in Vietnam, organized by the Ministry of Health on the afternoon of October 25th.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stated that HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities can only succeed with the joint efforts of not only all levels of government but also with the support of family members, the community, and social organizations for those at risk of infection, those already infected, and those undergoing HIV/AIDS treatment. (Photo: VGP/Dinh Nam)

The goals of this program are to ensure that 90% of people living with HIV know their status; 90% of them receive lifelong ARV treatment; and 90% of those receiving ARV treatment respond well enough to not transmit the virus to others. Successful implementation of the 90-90-90 Program is a solid foundation for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Attending the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Chairman of the National Committee for AIDS Prevention and Control and the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Prostitution; former Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong; United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe; leaders of the Ministry of Health, central and local ministries and agencies…

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam highly appreciated the coordinating and supportive role of the United Nations and other international organizations that have always accompanied and assisted Vietnam in the cause of maintaining peace, eradicating poverty, and building and developing the country to become increasingly prosperous.

With that valuable support, Vietnam has achieved many positive results in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, gradually containing the disease and moving towards the 90-90-90 program, aiming to end this epidemic by 2030.

Photo: VGP/Dinh Nam

Thanking the United Nations and international organizations for choosing Vietnam as the first country to launch the 90-90-90 Program, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized: “Being a pioneer is always a great honor, but it also demands great responsibility. Vietnam is honored to be recognized by the United Nations as a pioneer in many areas, and once again, we pledge to take responsibility and work closely with relevant agencies and organizations to successfully implement this program.”

The goals of the 90-90-90 Program can only be achieved with the joint efforts and contributions not only of all levels of government but also of people at risk of HIV infection, those already infected, and those undergoing HIV/AIDS treatment, including family members, neighbors, the community, and various associations and organizations.

“All of us, each and every one of us, must see this as our own responsibility, with compassion and a sense of responsibility, to work together to successfully implement the 90-90-90 Program in Vietnam. Through this, we will contribute to the United Nations' successful implementation of this program worldwide. This is the commitment of the Vietnamese Government,” the Deputy Prime Minister urged.

Providing further information on HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities in Vietnam, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien stated that in recent years, this work has achieved many positive results with strong support from international organizations in terms of technical and financial assistance, resulting in a continuous decrease in the rate of new HIV infections, the number of AIDS patients, and the number of deaths over the past 7 years.

However, Vietnam is entering a new phase with many difficulties as the pandemic trend is decreasing but the situation remains complex.

Each year, approximately 12,000-14,000 new HIV infections are detected; stigma and discrimination persist; people with HIV/AIDS have difficulty accessing diagnostic and treatment services, with only 50% of their needs met; and there are challenges in human resources and finances due to dependence on foreign aid, which is not yet sustainable.

Photo: VGP/Dinh Nam

Leaders of the Ministry of Health acknowledge that Vietnam is still quite far from the goals of the 90-90-90 Program and needs to prioritize solutions such as: proactively monitoring cases; expanding the testing network and decentralizing it to the grassroots level so that those at risk of HIV/AIDS infection can easily access it; strengthening communication and understanding, reducing stigma and discrimination; expanding the coverage of treatment services; and focusing on and closely monitoring the quality of treatment…

At the same time, we will continue to control the spread of the disease through effective harm reduction interventions, focusing on high-risk groups and key areas for HIV/AIDS.

Funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and control needs to be quickly shifted from relying primarily on foreign aid to mobilizing diverse resources from the central government, local authorities, and the community.

"According to scientists' recommendations, Vietnam's investment of 1 USD in HIV/AIDS prevention now will yield 10 USD by 2030. With an average investment of 92 million USD per year, we can save 150,000 people from HIV infection and end this epidemic by 2030," Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam receives United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Michel Sidibe. Photo: VGP/Dinh Nam

* Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam received the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Michel Sidibe, and discussed the positive results Vietnam has achieved, the difficulties and challenges, as well as the invaluable support from the United Nations and international organizations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Sidibe highly praised Vietnam for being the first country in the world to respond to and launch the 90-90-90 goal for HIV prevention and control, aiming to end this pandemic. He expressed confidence that Vietnam will successfully achieve this goal based on impressive results such as: a 50% reduction in new infections, a 50% reduction in deaths, 65% of pregnant mothers receiving counseling, testing, and treatment for HIV/AIDS, and the potential to completely eliminate mother-to-child transmission by 2015.

According to VNA