Vietnam Makes Progress in HIV Control Thanks to U.S. Support: Study

Vietnam has made significant improvements in combating HIV epidemic partly thanks to the support of the U.S. since 2005, a study conducted by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed. The study which received support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the CDC focused on evaluating a project on national antiretroviral therapy program in Vietnam in the 2005-2010 period. During the time, Vietnam had expanded the program to HIV-infected community including most-at-risk groups such as drug-injecting users, the major driver of HIV transmission in the country. Regarding the program, Dr. Michelle McConnell, CDC Vietnam’s Country Director said “The results reflect the robust partnership between the United States and Vietnam in implementing a national HIV program that addresses the clients’ needs, and show that Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is committed to a strong and sustainable HIV healthcare strategy.” Through PEPFAR and CDC, the United States continues to provide funding and technical support to Vietnam to bolster its national HIV program. Since 2004, the PEPFAR has funded more than $500 million to support HIV/AIDS programs in Vietnam. As of June 2012, the number of people living with HIV (PLWH) in Vietnam hit 204,019, including 58,569 AIDS-caught people and 61,856 AIDS-caused deaths as shown in the statistics by the Ministry of Health. (vietnam.usembassy.gov Feb 26)