An HIV-infected patient is consulted on treatment. (Photo: VNA) (VNS/VNA) – The People’s Committee of Hanoi has
set up a plan for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the city by 2030.
The plan, known as 55/KH-UBND dated February 20, aims to reach the
goal of reducing the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths and
end the AIDS epidemic in the city by 2030 as well as minimise the impact of the
HIV/AIDS epidemic on socio-economic development.
According to the plan, this year, the city strives for 90% of
people living with HIV will know their HIV infection status while 90% of people
living with HIV on the management list are treated with anti-retroviral (ARV)
drugs and 98% of patients on ARV have an HIV viral load below the suppression
threshold.
The plan also sets out specific targets that this year 500 new HIV
infections will be detected, 80% of drug addicts will have access to a needle
and syringe programme, 65% of female prostitutes will have access to a condom
programme, and 65% of men who have sex with men (MSM) will have access to a
condom and lubricant programme.
Under the plan, the health care sector will complete 300 key
monitoring samples as prescribed by the , and ensure 14,350
people living with HIV/AIDS will maintain on antiretroviral therapy while 633
HIV-infected people will start antiretroviral therapy, and 11,112 people living
with HIV/AIDS who are on ARV will be tested for HIV load in monitoring ARV.
To achieve the above objectives, the municipal People’s Committee
proposed three groups of solutions including prevention and harm reduction
interventions; HIV/AIDS testing and surveillance; and treatment and care for
people living with HIV.
Specifically, for the solution of prevention and harm reduction
interventions, the city will improve the quality of information, education and
communication work; reduce stigma and discrimination related to HIV; and expand
and renew interventions to reduce harm and prevent HIV infection.
Regarding testing and surveillance, the health care sector must
increase HIV testing counselling, diversify HIV testing and counselling
services, promote HIV testing in grass-roots health facilities, expand testing
in the community and mobile testing and self-testing at home.
It is necessary to strengthen co-operation with projects and NGOs
to implement testing activity and HIV detection in the community.
In addition, the city will enhance the sharing and use of data in
HIV/AIDS prevention and control and establish systems of case monitoring from
HIV infection to treatment participation, treatment facility transfer,
treatment quality, and treatment adherence for each HIV-infected person.
HIV infected persons will be treated with ARVs as soon as they are
diagnosed.
HIV/AIDS treatment in prisons and drug rehabilitation
establishments will be maintained while HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
treatment will be provided to those who are at risk of HIV infection.
The committee asked the health department and relevant offices of
all districts and communes to set key targets for the implementation of the
HIV/AIDS prevention and control plan in 2023.
Moreover, it is necessary to accelerate the work of education and
dissemination on . Accordingly, civil servants
and public employees should actively approach and mobilise relatives and
friends, especially those at high-risk of being infected with HIV to test and
access consultation and treatment.
The people’s committees of districts, communes and towns shall
develop plans and monitor, inspect, and assign targets for the implementation
of the city’s HIV/AIDS prevention and control plan in 2023./.
Source: VietnamPlus
