The Government has called for greater community-based care for children with HIV to enable them to attend schools, have access to full healthcare services, and enjoy childhood like their normal peers.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong was speaking at an artistic programme entitled “Give me a dream” jointly held by the Health Ministry and Vietnam Television on May 31 on the occasion of the International Children’s Day (June 1).

The programme sought to send to the public a message that children with HIV/AIDS should be helped to lead a life without discriminations.

Noting that 4,121 children in Vietnam are currently living with HIV/AIDS, Trong, however, pointed out that the number of children who have been directly and indirectly affected by the deadly disease is growing.

He mentioned that a large number of children become orphan after their AIDS parents’ death, while many others can neither attend any school nor receive adequate health care due to social discrimination.

Health Minister Nguyen Quoc Trieu emphasised that HIV/AIDS has affected all aspects of socio-economic life and that children with HIV are facing discrimination and isolation in society.

He hoped that the programme, as a special gift to children with HIV, will encourage these disadvantaged children to dream and make their dreams come true.

During the event, the participants watched a series of reportages on the situation on children living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam and the State’s policies, projects and funds tailored to help them integrate into the community.

Participating children were entertained with singing and dancing performances, puppetry shows, and a circus clown’s plays.

On the occasion, 15 children with HIV received healthcare insurance cards and scholarships./.