'Unity is strength' - The key to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030

The province has realized the theme "Unity is strength - Joining hands to end the AIDS epidemic" this year with drastic directions, the participation of the health sector and the consensus of all the people.

'Đoàn kết là sức mạnh' - Chìa khóa then chốt để chấm dứt dịch bệnh AIDS vào năm 2030- Ảnh 1. — CDC Ha Tinh doctor advises on the benefits of ARV treatment for people infected with HIV.

Authorities and functional agencies take action to "Leave no one behind"

Identifying the fight against HIV/AIDS as a long-term and urgent task, Ha Tinh has not stood outside the global movement. Adhering to Vietnam's commitment to the United Nations on reducing inequality in access to healthcare, the Provincial Steering Committee for Crime Prevention and Control, Social Evils and Building a Movement to Protect National Security has issued a plan to organize a peak period of response.

This is considered a key decision for the National Action Month for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control in 2025 and towards the 35th anniversary of Vietnam's response to this epidemic. Through this plan, the province affirms its high political determination and joint efforts with the whole country towards the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Implementing the theme of 2025 "Unity is strength - Joining hands to end the AIDS epidemic", the Ha Tinh Health sector plays a key role. Thereby, HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities are promoted. Communication work is focused on introducing the practical benefits of services such as HIV testing, self-testing, ARV treatment, PrEP and Methadone. In particular, to remove access barriers, the list of service providers in the area has been widely publicized for people to easily search and use.

'Đoàn kết là sức mạnh' - Chìa khóa then chốt để chấm dứt dịch bệnh AIDS vào năm 2030- Ảnh 2. — A communication session on HIV prevention measures

Dr. Phung Binh Van, Deputy Director of the Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC Ha Tinh), said: "The biggest challenge today is no longer a technical or medical issue, but a psychological barrier. With the advancement of medicine, people infected with HIV who adhere to ARV treatment can live healthy lives and have a viral load below the detection threshold, meaning they are not contagious to others (K=K). The provincial health sector is making efforts to diversify access channels, from community testing to multi-day drug dispensing, to create maximum convenience for patients."

As a testament to this effort, the list of service providers in the area has been widely publicized. At medical facilities, telling numbers have demonstrated the effectiveness of operations. Up to now, Ha Tinh has recorded a cumulative 1,311 people infected with HIV/AIDS, of which 881 are still living with addresses in the province. The provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC) is managing and treating 549 patients.

Notably, the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program has attracted 165 participants. The Methadone treatment model for opioid addiction is also showing maximum effectiveness with more than 100 patients. This network is closely maintained at 3 treatment facilities (CDC Ha Tinh, Huong Son, Hong Linh) and expanded to 3 more drug dispensing facilities in Ky Anh, Tien Dien and Huong Khe communes, helping patients access drugs most conveniently.

Mr. NVT (Tien Dien commune), a patient undergoing Methadone treatment, shared: "Before, every time I went to take medicine, I had to travel dozens of kilometers, which was very difficult and expensive, and many times I wanted to give up. But since there is a drug dispensing facility right in the commune, traveling has become much more convenient. The doctors and nurses are also very caring, not discriminatory, helping me persevere in treatment to give up drugs, and work hard to take care of my family."

'Đoàn kết là sức mạnh' - Chìa khóa then chốt để chấm dứt dịch bệnh AIDS vào năm 2030- Ảnh 3. — Center for Disease Control staff test HIV viral load on patients.

People respond: Eliminate discrimination, build community shield

The greatest success in HIV/AIDS prevention in Ha Tinh in recent times is the change in people's awareness. The message "Unity is strength" has truly entered life.

An important goal that the province is aiming for is to expand the coverage of preventive services, but at the same time, reduce stigma and discrimination. The community is gradually becoming more open, creating a supportive environment so that people with HIV and their families no longer feel ashamed.

Participating in the communication session, Ms. Tran Thi Nga (Tran Phu ward) expressed: "Through the media and the propaganda of medical staff, I understand that HIV is not transmitted through normal contact. Instead of avoiding, we need to share and encourage those who are unfortunate enough to have the disease to integrate into the community. Stigma is sometimes more frightening than the virus, pushing them into the darkness. I am always ready to support and help them access medical services when necessary."

The response of people like Ms. Nga is the most valuable spiritual "vaccine". The fight to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030 still has many challenges, but with the close direction of the government, the dedication of the medical team and the open arms of the community, Ha Tinh is striving to reach the 95-95-95 target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

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