Health

Conference seeks ways to fine-turn HIV/AIDS fight

Health experts debated measures to effect HIV/AIDS prevention, stressing the need to expand preventive activities, Methadone therapy, anti-retroviral treatment and open bidding for drug supplies.
Conference seeks ways to fine-turn HIV/AIDS fight ảnh 1Methadone therapy is administered to drug users (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Health experts debated measures to effect HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in the country, stressing the need to expand preventive activities, Methadone therapy, anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment, and open bidding for drug supplies.

In their discussions at a conference to review HIV/AIDS prevention held in Hanoi on January 14, participants gave proposals to mobilise resources for the work, as well as how to maximise the efficiency of communication campaigns in the field.

According to reports from the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Methadone therapy for drug addicts was strongly implemented in 239 treatment centre, across 57 provinces and cities in 2015, benefiting 43,000 people living with HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, ARV treatment was carried out in 325 treatment centres and 562 medical stations in all the 63 provinces and cities.

HIV/AIDS communication campaigns in 2015 helped raise awareness for around 10 million targeted people, a year-on-year rise of nearly 3 million.

Programmes to distribute free syringes and injection needles to drug - injecting addicts were arranged in 53 localities in the year, while the distribution of condoms to high-risk groups was organised in 50 provinces and cities.

The country is now home to 1,000 test laboratories serving HIV screening and 100 others for confirming HIV-positive cases, 86 CD4 cell count facilities (the number of white blood cells in a cubic millimetre of blood), and six viral load testing facilities.

HIV/AIDS is a major health burden in Vietnam, said General Director of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention Nguyen Hoang Long.

He noted that over 254,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam and they need regular treatment, but resources for the work remains limited as this mainly depends on international aid, which continues to fall.

This results in the coverage of HIV/AIDS prevention services being restricted, Long stressed.

The conference heard that about 12,000-14,000 new cases are reported every year. Unprotected sex is the leading reason behind the increased rate of HIV carriers.-VNA

VNA
#HIV/AIDS #Methadone therapy #ARV treatment #communication campaigns
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietnam has long way to go to 90-90-90 targets

Vietnam has long way to go to 90-90-90 targets

Vietnam is far from achieving the 90-90-90 targets set by the United Nations (UN) to end HIV/AIDS by 2020, said Dr. Nguyen Hoang Long, head of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control.

See more

Anh Duong – the first baby born at Sun Group International Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Sun Group International Hospital)

Sun Group International Hospital welcomes first baby

The eagerly awaited “first ray of sunshine” is a healthy baby girl named Sunny, who brings immense joy to her family and marks an unforgettable and inspiring milestone for the hospital and its dedicated obstetric team.

A doctor examines a patient with asthma at the Ha Tinh Lung Hospital. (Photo courtesy of the hospital)

Symposium discusses measures to better manage asthma in Vietnam

Experts emphasised that asthma management and prevention still faces many challenges. Asthma is also an underlying condition that weakens the body's immune system and creates favourable conditions for viruses to attack, including influenza and the Varicella Zoster Virus, which causes shingles.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Ministry calls for continued vigilance against COVID-19

Since the beginning of this year, 148 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in 27 provinces and cities across the nation. In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has proactively strengthened surveillance, while enhancing prevention and control measures at healthcare facilities and within communities.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan speaks at the Government’s regular April meeting on May 6. (Photo: VNA)

All citizens to receive annual free medical checkups: Deputy Health Minister

At the Government’s regular April meeting on May 6, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan described Party General Secretary To Lam’s direction on the exemption of hospital fees for all citizens as a major and humanitarian policy, stating it is not a long-term strategy and a goal that the health sector is determined to implement, but also the one that touches the hearts of millions of people and meets their expectations.

Doctors observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to the organ donor. (Photo: published by VNA)

Brain-dead organ donor helps save six lives

Within 24 hours, the process of receiving the donated liver, two kidneys, two corneas, and skin to conducte transplantation for six patients was completed. The last surgery ended at 8:00 pm on May 3.

Doctors conduct a preliminary health screening for a wheelchair-bound resident in Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province. (Photo: VNA)

Free medical checkups provided for border residents

Running from April 12-13, the activity forms part of the 9th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange Programme, scheduled for April 16-17 in Vietnam’s Lang Son province and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.