HIV/AIDS in Vietnam

[[File: Vietnam"].

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HIV/AIDS in Vietnam
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue
Complications	Opportunistic infections, cancers
Onset	2-4 weeks after exposure
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Human immunodeficiency virus
Risks	Unprotected sex, sharing needles
Diagnosis	HIV test
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Safe sex, needle exchange programs
Treatment	Antiretroviral therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on treatment
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

HIV/AIDS in Vietnam refers to the prevalence, impact, and management of HIV/AIDS within the country of Vietnam. Since the first reported case in 1990, Vietnam has faced significant challenges in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS, but has also made substantial progress through government initiatives and international cooperation.

Epidemiology

The first case of HIV in Vietnam was reported in 1990. Since then, the epidemic has primarily affected key populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers (FSW). According to the Vietnam Ministry of Health, as of 2020, there were approximately 230,000 people living with HIV in Vietnam.

The prevalence of HIV among the general population remains low, at around 0.3%, but is significantly higher in key populations. For instance, the prevalence among PWID is estimated to be around 12%, while among MSM it is approximately 11%.

Transmission

HIV in Vietnam is primarily transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual contact
• Sharing of contaminated needles and syringes among PWID
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding

Efforts to reduce transmission have focused on promoting safe sex practices, needle exchange programs, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).

Government Response

The Vietnamese government has implemented a comprehensive national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, which includes:

• Increasing public awareness and education about HIV/AIDS
• Expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• Implementing harm reduction programs, such as needle exchange and methadone maintenance therapy
• Strengthening the healthcare system to provide better care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS

International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), have also supported Vietnam's efforts through funding and technical assistance.

Treatment and Care

Access to ART has significantly improved in Vietnam, with over 140,000 people receiving treatment as of 2020. The government aims to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, which are:

• 90% of people living with HIV knowing their status
• 90% of those diagnosed receiving sustained ART
• 90% of those on ART achieving viral suppression

Challenges

Despite progress, Vietnam faces several challenges in its fight against HIV/AIDS:

• Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS
• Limited resources and funding for comprehensive care and prevention programs
• Reaching marginalized and high-risk populations

Also see

• HIV/AIDS in Asia
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Harm reduction
• Public health in Vietnam