Approximately 70% of new HIV infections are concentrated mainly in the southern region, with an increasing trend among those aged 15-29.
Approximately 70% of new HIV infections are concentrated mainly in the southern region, with an increasing trend among those aged 15-29.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam is becoming increasingly complex, with a noticeable change in transmission patterns. Among newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals, men who have sex with men (MSM) are the primary source of infection.
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| Approximately 70% of new HIV infections are concentrated mainly in the southern region, with an increasing trend among those aged 15-29. |
Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health , said that in the first 9 months of 2024, the country recorded more than 11,400 new cases of HIV, of which nearly 1,300 people died. Of those newly diagnosed with HIV since the beginning of the year, 82.9% were men, mainly aged 15-29 (40%) and 30-39 (27.3%).
In Vietnam, since the first case of infection was detected in 1990 in Ho Chi Minh City, the whole country has about 267,000 people living with HIV with 100% of provinces and cities recording cases.
Notably, nearly 70% of new HIV infections are concentrated mainly in the Mekong Delta (31.2%), Southeast (12.8%) and Ho Chi Minh City (24.3%); the age group of 15-29 has an increasing trend.
Ms. Huong commented that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still complicated. In recent years, the form of HIV infection has changed significantly - from blood transmission in the drug addict group to sexual transmission, especially in the MSM group. This group accounts for a large proportion of new HIV infections with more than 40% of cases detected each year.
However, these individuals still face discrimination and stigma from the community, and are afraid to come out, making it very difficult for them to access HIV prevention services.
What is worrying is the resurgence of HIV infections. Some provinces and cities have detected infections among minors, including 10th and 11th graders. They said they had homosexual sex or used synthetic drugs. These are factors that increase the risk of HIV infection.
Experts predict that the number of people infected with HIV among MSM will continue to increase in the coming period. The reason is that this group lives scattered across provinces and cities, making it difficult to reach them regionally as was the case with drug addicts in the past.
Social media has developed, with groups and communities dedicated to same-sex relationships flourishing, making it easier for them to find and connect with many partners.
Recent research results also show that transgender women are one of the groups warned of the risk of HIV infection, which has increased in recent years.
Furthermore, studies also show that infection trends are beginning to increase in non-priority provinces and cities. This is accompanied by complex risk behaviors such as the use of synthetic drugs, "chemsex" (using substances during sexual intercourse), and group sex. This not only spreads HIV but also transmits sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis B and C, etc., increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
Furthermore, because MSM do not experience the psychological fear of pregnancy, the use of condoms—one of the methods of contraception—is not as important to them as it is to heterosexual couples. Additionally, some members of this group may engage in group sex or have multiple partners.
They also tend to use stimulants such as drugs, alcohol, beer... to increase pleasure and find different feelings..., leading to loss of control over safe behavior. In addition, there may be violent sexual behavior leading to higher damage.
Many people do not know much about their sexual partners, especially their health status. Some people have many overlapping risks, such as injecting drugs, having many sexual partners, both male and female, frequently changing sexual partners and possibly having other sexually transmitted diseases...
Based on the World Health Organization's classification, Vietnam is in a phase where the epidemic is concentrated in groups with high-risk behaviors for HIV infection.
The risk of HIV infection is tending to affect younger people, and risky behaviors among high-risk groups are becoming increasingly complex, such as the use of synthetic drugs and same-sex relationships. Access to interventions is difficult due to persistent stigma and discrimination against people living with the disease.
To achieve the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030, Vietnam is pursuing equity in access to HIV/AIDS prevention and control services, ensuring that HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, care and treatment services are provided to all people based on their actual needs, rather than based on financial capacity, social status, or other factors.
Equality in access to HIV/AIDS prevention and control services means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, area of residence, economic status or any other personal characteristic, have the right to use HIV/AIDS prevention and control services without discrimination.
Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, which Vietnam is aiming for, does not mean there will be no new infections or deaths from AIDS, but rather ensuring that AIDS is no longer a serious public health problem, with criteria such as fewer than 1,000 new HIV infections per year and a mother-to-child transmission rate of less than 2%.
Over the years, Vietnam has demonstrated its commitment through the development and implementation of specific policies to ensure that all people, including high-risk groups, have fair and equal access to HIV/AIDS prevention and control services.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/noi-dai-noi-lo-dai-dich-hiv-viet-nam-d231081.html
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