Vietnam Population and AIDS Indicator Survey 2005 ... - Measure DHS

INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Since the detection of the first HIV case in 1981, the spread of AIDS has developed into a
pandemic with which all countries in the world have had to contend.
UNAIDS and WHO report that globally, by the end of 2003, there were 46 million people living
with HIV/AIDS, including 5.8 newly infected people and 3.5 million deaths from AIDS in that year
alone. In many developing countries, significant proportions of newly infected people are among the
young; about one-third of people living with HIV/AIDS are age 15-24. The majority of infected people
are unaware that they are infected with HIV. The highest levels of HIV prevalence are being experienced
in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by the Asia-Pacific region.
The first case of HIV in Vietnam was detected in December 1990. Fifteen years later, by
December 2005, 103,084 cases of HIV infection had been reported nationwide, of which 17,124 had
developed into full-blown AIDS. This fifteen-year period witnessed 9,941 deaths from AIDS. While
national HIV prevalence is low, a number of provinces are thought to have a greater number of
HIV/AIDS cases per 100,000 people, especially among high risk groups: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ho Chi
Minh City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, An Giang and Ha Noi.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a serious threat to the population’s health and has serious
implications for social services. Additional risks include the threat to Vietnam’s social and economic
development, and the future of the Vietnamese race. Over time, the number of people infected with
HIV/AIDS has continued to increase, and the scenario of infection has become more complex in coverage
and form.
1.2 NATIONAL POLICY ON HIV/AIDS
A National Strategy coordinating a multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS is indispensable to
effectively controlling the spread of the disease and reducing its socio-economic impact. On 17 March
2004 the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 36/2004/QD-TTg, approving the National Vision on
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control till 2010, with a Vision to 2020. The strategy defines the
Government’s point of view, sets priorities for the implementation of HIV/AIDS related activities, and
sets targets on the road towards solutions.
The overall objective of the HIV/AIDS Strategy is to restrict the HIV prevalence rate among the
general population to below 0.3 percent by 2010, with no further increase after 2010. In addition, the
Strategy aims to reduce the adverse effects of HIV/AIDS on socio-economic development.
Regardless of efforts made in the current decade, the spread of HIV/AIDS will continue through
the decade of 2010-2020 and continue to affect the health of the population and impinge on socioeconomic
development. Therefore, even if the target set for 2010 is achieved, it will still be necessary to
continue HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities if targets are to be maintained. The State will
continue to enhance and invest in the management and direction of HIV/AIDS prevention and control
activities. The State will strive to combat discrimination and continue to support its national and
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