Project helps reduce HIV infection among ethnic minority groups

Son La (VNA) – Ethnic minority people in 46 remote communes in seven districts of the northern mountainous province of Son La, which shares border with Laos’ Hua Phan province, have benefited from the Greater Mekong Subregion Capacity Building for HIV/AIDS Prevention launched in 2015 by the Asian Development Bank.

As many as 30 training courses and conference were held in Song Ma, Thuan Chau, Quynh Nhai, Phu Yen, Bac Yen, Yen Chau and Muong La districts, thus enhancing the local officials’ capacity in providing adequate treatment to people living with HIV as well as locals’ knowledge of preventive measures against the disease.

Besides, the project has launched a pilot model to offer treatment services to Vietnam and Laos, focusing on normandic groups in the boundary communes of Chieng Khuong and Muong Hung in Song Ma district, and Chieng Tuong and Chieng On in Yen Chau district.

Meanwhile, guiding documents in Vietnamese, Lao and Thai languages have also been provided to locals.

This year, the project aims to expand local health staff network in Son La by organising management and professional capacity building in HIV/AIDS prevention and control for local officials.

In 2016, Son La targets a drop to under 0.6 percent in the number of HIV/AIDS infection in the community.-VNA