Aiming to end AIDS by 2030

Over the past period, Phu Tho province has extensively implemented Directive No. 07-CT/TW dated July 6, 2021, of the Central Party Secretariat on strengthening leadership in HIV/AIDS prevention and control. With a determination to mobilize the entire political system, the province is striving to implement fundamental solutions, aiming to end AIDS before 2030 as set out in the Directive.

During the period 2021-2025, the Fatherland Front and mass organizations at all levels in the province organized many propaganda campaigns, contributing to spreading the message of HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

Mobilizing combined efforts to prevent and control HIV/AIDS.

Over the five years since the implementation of Directive No. 07-CT/TW, despite the increasingly complex epidemiological context with signs of younger age groups and the predominance of sexual transmission, under the close leadership of Party committees at all levels, the HIV/AIDS situation in the province has been basically controlled.

Recognizing HIV/AIDS prevention and control as a key task, both urgent and long-term, linked to protecting and caring for people's health and ensuring social security, the Provincial Party Standing Committee has requested 100% of grassroots Party branches and committees to thoroughly understand Directive No. 07-CT/TW. The methods of dissemination have been flexibly innovated, ranging from conferences and Party branch meetings to integration into mass organization activities.

Leadership and guidance were concretized through comprehensive action plans and programs. The emphasis was on close coordination among departments and agencies, especially the pivotal role of the health sector. Party committees at all levels not only issued policies but also regularly inspected and supervised, promptly addressing difficulties at the grassroots level.

The most significant result is the dramatic shift in awareness. Stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS have gradually decreased. People are more proactive in accessing counseling, testing, and treatment services. In particular, information and communication efforts have shifted from widespread dissemination to behavior-oriented approaches, focusing on high-risk groups such as MSM (men who have sex with men) and young people.

During the period 2021-2025, Phu Tho province had over 56,000 news articles, reports, and media coverage; the Fatherland Front and mass organizations at all levels organized thousands of community-based propaganda campaigns, contributing to the widespread dissemination of messages on disease prevention and control. ARV treatment was implemented early, quickly, and covered by health insurance, ensuring patients had continuous access to the service.

Epidemiological data shows the clear effectiveness of the intervention: The number of new infections decreased from 230 cases (in 2021) to 190 cases (in 2025); the number of deaths decreased sharply from 13 to 8 cases. In particular, the rate of HIV transmission from mother to child has always been controlled, remaining below 3%. The promotion of the application of science and technology, digital transformation through management software (HMED, HIV-info) and intervention models such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and Methadone has affirmed the province's correct direction.

Determined to achieve the 2030 goals.

Looking ahead, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is expected to remain complex, with a clear shift in transmission towards unsafe sexual contact, particularly among high-risk groups such as MSM and young people. The hidden nature of risky behaviors, coupled with socio-economic changes and labor migration, poses significant challenges to management and early detection.

Nowadays, people are more proactive in accessing HIV/AIDS counseling, testing, and treatment services.

In light of this situation, Phu Tho province has set forth key directions and tasks such as: Strengthening the leadership and guidance of the Party and government at all levels; consolidating the organizational structure and improving the effectiveness of the Steering Committee for HIV/AIDS prevention and control from the provincial to the grassroots level; integrating HIV/AIDS prevention and control goals into local socio-economic development programs; and continuing to innovate and diversify information, education, and communication activities.

Effectively combine mass media and direct communication, ensuring content is tailored to each target group, especially high-risk groups, to change behavior and reduce stigma; maintain regular implementation of professional activities. Expand the scope and improve the quality of HIV infection prevention, harm reduction interventions, counseling, early detection testing, and HIV/AIDS treatment.

Promote Methadone treatment and ensure access to health insurance-covered medical services for people living with HIV; ensure sustainable resources through increased social mobilization and the participation of the community, organizations, and individuals. Allocate appropriate budgets, prioritizing essential activities; improve the capacity of the primary healthcare system through training and professional development for staff. Strengthen inter-sectoral coordination, promote the application of science and technology, and digital transformation to improve the efficiency of management, monitoring, and treatment.

To realize the aspiration of ending the AIDS epidemic before 2030, Phu Tho province requests the Ministry of Health and other central ministries and agencies to continue improving mechanisms and policies in a comprehensive and sustainable manner; and to promptly issue a long-term financial mechanism in the context of declining international aid. At the same time, it requests increased technical support, updating of new treatment protocols and intervention models, and ensuring the supply of essential medicines and biological products to the locality.

Ngoc Thang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/huong-toi-cham-dut-benh-aids-truoc-nam-2030-255035.htm