The press – a persistent voice in the silent war against HIV/AIDS

During 35 years of accompanying the fight against HIV/AIDS in Vietnam, the press has always played the role of a steadfast and trustworthy friend - not only reflecting reality, but also lighting up faith and hope for millions of lives overcoming prejudice and darkness to move towards the future.

The National Press Award on HIV/AIDS prevention and control is a profound gratitude to journalists on the front lines of propaganda, and at the same time a new impetus for humane stories to continue to be told, spread and touch the hearts of the community.

Báo chí – tiếng nói bền bỉ trong cuộc chiến không tiếng súng với HIV/AIDS- Ảnh 1.

Báo chí – tiếng nói bền bỉ trong cuộc chiến không tiếng súng với HIV/AIDS- Ảnh 2.

Báo chí – tiếng nói bền bỉ trong cuộc chiến không tiếng súng với HIV/AIDS- Ảnh 3.

Báo chí – tiếng nói bền bỉ trong cuộc chiến không tiếng súng với HIV/AIDS- Ảnh 4.

There are thousands of untold stories about people who stay in their villages and stations every day, quietly helping the sick find hope.

Three decades ago, HIV/AIDS was considered a “death sentence”, a haunting fear that made many people afraid, discriminated against and shunned. Now, Vietnam has controlled the epidemic, expanded ARV treatment and is moving closer to the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. But behind those positive numbers, there are still thousands of silent stories – about people who stay in their villages and stations every day, quietly helping patients regain faith and hope for life.

And it is the press, with its commitment, empathy and social responsibility, that has contributed to that change. From the first news reports about HIV in the early 1990s to reports reflecting the efforts of the community, the press has not only conveyed information, but also opened humane dialogues with the public – to change perceptions, arouse compassion and help people living with HIV be seen as human beings with the right to live, to be loved and to be respected.

Now, when the ' National Journalism Award on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control' is launched, it is not only a professional competition, but also an opportunity for writers to affirm their social role. With a genuine pen, each journalist, each medical staff , each media collaborator can turn their work into "spiritual medicine" - healing, transmitting life energy and contributing to eliminating prejudice barriers.

The Organizing Committee hopes to receive diverse and creative articles that vividly reflect HIV/AIDS prevention and control work from a variety of perspectives, from hospitals, prisons, residential areas to community organizations.

Because in that journey, no one is left behind: There is Dr. Le The Vu who has devoted more than 30 years to HIV-infected pregnant women; there is Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thinh - the leader of the LGBT group in Thanh Hoa; there are reporters who quietly go to the border area of Nghe An to recount the journey "From darkness to light" of those who sow faith.

And like them, writers today are given the opportunity to record, to honor, to spread. Each entry is not just an article – it is a tribute to the people who have contributed to lighting up the belief that “HIV is not the end” .

This year's award is a continuation of the humane journey of Vietnamese journalism: Persistence, understanding and responsibility towards the community. Don't let the beautiful story remain unfinished - write, send and spread the message of love, when the deadline for receiving articles is near.

The Organizing Committee would like to send some information about the 'National Press Award on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control' as follows: