Project enhances community’s involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention hinh anh 1A HIV/AIDS treatment centre in Vinh Phuc (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Minister has approved investment policies for a project to enhance participation of social and community organisations in preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS.

The project, using official development assistance (ODA) of nearly 6.5 million USD funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, aims to contribute to realising the 90-90-90 targets by 2020 and ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

It will be carried out from 2018 – 2025 in 15 cities and provinces, namely Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Khanh Hoa, HCM City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

Under the project, communication work on HIV preventive measures will be promoted among vulnerable groups, such as using new injection needles, condoms, and taking HIV tests in community settings.

People with HIV will be sent to health care facilities for treatment with anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, and drug addicts will be helped to join methadone treatment programmes in the 15 targeted localities.

The project also helps ensure access for targeted groups to health care and other support services, reduce discrimination and facilitate their participation in social activities.

The 90-90-90 goals mean that 90 percent of HIV-infected people will know their infection status, 90 percent of HIV positive people will receive anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, and 90 percent of people taking ARV drugs will have a low HIV load.

By 2020, 80 percent ARV drug costs will be covered by health insurance.-VNA
VNA