Deputy Director of the Department of HIV-AIDS Prevention and Control Hoang Dinh Canh addresses the press conference

The information was revealed on Wednesday by Hoang Dinh Canh, deputy director of the Department of HIV-AIDS Prevention and Control, during a press conference to mark National Action Month against HIV/AIDS.

At present, Vietnam has a rate of HIV-infected people receiving anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment with a viral load below the inhibitory threshold of over 96%, therefore contributing to reducing the community rate of HIV infection.

Mr. Canh stated that currently Vietnam is home to approximately 250,000 HIV patients who are still alive, although only 190,000 are aware of their HIV status. As of June, the country has provided ARV treatment to 153,000 people, ultimately stopping them from passing away due to AIDS.

The National Assembly on Monday approved a revised law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2021, the law will add a number of groups, including those at high-risk who will be prioritized to access information, education, and relevant communication on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. In addition, it will supplement pre-exposure preventive treatment measures in an effort to increase the effectiveness of HIV transmission prevention among those at risk of exposure to the virus.