Illustrative image (Photo: internet) Hanoi (VNA) – A capacity buildingtraining course for networks of HIV-infected women to improve the voice, statusand capacity of women living with HIV was held inHanoi on November 9.
Jointly organised by the UN Entity for GenderEquality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) andthe Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), the course attracted 30 women who areleaders of groups of women living with HIV in seven northern provinces andcities.
It provided new knowledge regarding treatment regimens for HIV carriers and changes in the policy framework for treating HIV-infected people,especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants were also instructed how to access loans from the bank for socialpolicies to raise livelihoods.
Addressing the event, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai from VWU’s Department of Family andSocial Affairs said gender inequality is one of the factors that increase the riskof HIV infection and vulnerability to HIV among women and girls.
Gender inequality also makes it difficult for women to access HIV preventioninformation and services, care and support, she said, adding that womeninfected or affected by HIV often are subject to stigma and discrimination.
In recent times, UN Women has collaborated with many agencies and organisationsto build capacity and support empowerment of groups and networks ofHIV-affected women.
With the assistance of UN organisations in Vietnam, the VWU has for many yearsbeen actively supporting HIV-infected women through a series of models,including building capacity for women living with HIV to participate in buildingand implementing related policies and programmes towards ensuring equality./.
VNA
