Vietnam Top Ten Outstanding Events in HIV/AIDS Fight in 2020 Named

The local newswire Suc Khoe & Doi Song (Health & Life), the mouthpiece of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH), has named top ten remarkable events in HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the country throughout 2020. Firstly, the amended Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control was adopted by the National Assembly with 100% votes in favor. Secondly, the Prime Minister issued Decision 1246/QD-TTg approving the national strategy on putting an end to AIDS in 2030. Thirdly, HIV testing has been expanded across health facilities, and 12,000 more people were detected to catch HIV. Fourthly, methadone treatment was provided to over 52,000 people addicted to opioids. Fifthly, over 13,000 people enjoyed Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) service, which reduced 98% of HIV infection risks. Sixthly, Vietnam is among the four best countries for HIV/AIDS treatment worldwide, besides the UK, Switzerland, and Germany. More than 150,000 HIV/AIDS patients were treated with antiretroviral (ARV), and the rate of HIV-infected people receiving ARV treatment with a viral load below the inhibitory threshold reached 96%. Seventhly, Vietnam reviewed 30 years of HIV/AIDS combat on the occasion of the National Action Month for HIV/AIDs Prevention and Control and the World AIDS Day. Eighthly, local budget for HIV/AIDS fight accounted for 57%, and Vietnam received support from many international organizations such as the USAID, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the WHO, and more. Ninthly, HIV/AIDS prevention and control has been still conducted regardless of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lastly, the fight against the disease produced positive outcomes, fulfilling the assigned targets. (Suc Khoe & Doi Song, suckhoedoisong, Cong Ly)