UNAIDS Pledges to Continue Supporting Vietnam in HIV/AIDS Control

Steve Kraus, director of the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)’s Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific, and the UNAID Country Director for Vietnam Marie Odile Emondi said that the agency will continue supporting the country in fights against HIV/AIDS. The officials made the statement at a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam in Hanoi on May 15, lauding Vietnam’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS as well as results in diagnosing and treatment. They said that Vietnam has obtained significant results in preventing HIV/AIDS, especially in reducing HIV/AIDS-caused fatalities. Vietnam is one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region pursuing the 90-90-90 goals. Mr. Dam, in return, highlighted the international support in the combat, saying that Vietnam is struggling to pursue the 90-90-90 goals. It means that 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression by 2020. Statistics by the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control showed that more than 205,000 people across the country are living with HIV. A total of 115,594 patients have received antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. (Chinhphu May 15, Vietnam Plus May 15)