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HIV IN VIET NAM
- all information from http://www.unaids.org.vn/

Viet Nam’s HIV epidemic is still in a concentrated phase, with the highest sero-prevalence among key populations at higher risk. These include injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Prevalence in the general population is estimated at 0.53%. According to the 2005 Estimation and Projection Report, there were an estimated 293,000 people living with HIV in 2007.

Cumulative reported data as of 31 August 2007 were 132,628 cases of HIV and 26,828 cases of AIDS. There have been a total of 15,007 deaths due to AIDS in Viet Nam. HIV exists in all 64 provinces/cities, in 96% of the 659 districts and in more than 66% of the 10,732 wards/communes. Of all reported HIV cases, 78.9% are in the age group 20–39, with males accounting for 85.2% of total reported HIV cases. People living with HIV are getting younger and heterosexual transmission is becoming more significant.

The HIV epidemic in Viet Nam is not monolithic. The epidemics in HCMC and the north-east coast initiated earlier, while epidemics in other parts of the country are more recent. This variability has resulted in a geographic concentration of HIV cases in big cities and provinces where the local HIV epidemic in groups of IDUs, FSWs and MSM is substantial.

With a national average of 28.6%, HIV prevalence is highest among injecting drug users. In comparison, average prevalence among FSWs is 4.4%. These figures differ from province to province. In 2005/2006, HIV prevalence among MSM in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City was 9% and 5% respectively.

There is significant interaction between the risk behaviours of sharing injecting equipment and risky sex.

Significant numbers of injecting drug users share unsterilised needles and syringes and/or are involved in high-risk sexual behaviour with different partners, including sex workers. Sex workers do not consistently use condoms with their clients and other sexual partners. Men having sex with men also do not consistently use condoms during anal sex with their partners, and they also have sex with male sex workers and with females.

FAQ ABOUT HIV IN VIET NAM

1. What is the prevalence of HIV in Viet Nam?
2. How many people in Viet Nam are living with HIV?
3. Where is the epidemic located?
4. What is the nature of the epidemic and who is most at risk?
5. What is Viet Nam doing to respond to HIV?
6. What are the major challenges facing Viet Nam in its response to HIV?
7. What is "harm reduction"?
8. What is the connection between HIV and poverty?
9. What is the connection between HIV and gender inequality?
10. What role should people living with HIV (PLHIV) play in the response to HIV?
11. What does GIPA stand for?
12. What is the goal of the One UN Initiative in Viet Nam?
13. How many UN organizations are part of the One UN Initiative in Viet Nam?
14. What are the five elements of the UN reform in Viet Nam?
15. Where can I find more information?
16. How can I help?

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