Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong: Shifting to a more humane approach in preventing and combating prostitution

SKĐS - Speaking at the conference to review the Program on Prostitution Prevention and Control for the period 2021-2025 held on the morning of December 4, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong emphasized that the new period requires a fundamental change in management thinking, shifting from an administrative approach to a public health approach, humane and based on human rights.

The conference to review the Program on Prostitution Prevention and Control for the period 2021-2025 and develop the program for the period 2026-2035 was organized by the Department of Social Protection ( Ministry of Health ) in Ho Chi Minh City. Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong attended and gave a speech.

Transforming management thinking from administrative to humanistic, based on human rights

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, this conference has special significance as the health sector officially assumes the role of the state management agency for prostitution prevention and control from March 1, 2025, according to Decree 42/2025/ND-CP. This is a strategic move, requiring thorough preparation, synchronous and appropriate implementation in the context of the local government model operating under a two-level model.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong emphasized that the new phase requires a fundamental change in management thinking, shifting from an administrative approach to a more humane approach.

The Ministry of Health acknowledged the efforts of ministries, branches, localities and social organizations that have accompanied it during the period 2021-2025. Despite many socio -economic impacts and the emergence of anonymous forms of prostitution on online platforms, the program still achieved many positive results, contributing to expanding access to support for vulnerable groups and maintaining many effective intervention models.

However, Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong also pointed out the shortcomings in the past: The support model is still scattered and unsustainable; the connection between health and social services is not synchronized; stigma and discrimination make it difficult for the disadvantaged to access support; resources in many localities are still limited. These shortcomings require a comprehensive review and adjustment of implementation methods in the new period.

New strategic orientation in prostitution prevention and control for the period 2026–2035

Also at the conference, Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong proposed that the Conference focus on discussing four key groups of content.

Firstly, the summary of the 2021-2025 period must be objective and honest, especially assessing the level of access to health and social services for vulnerable groups; the effectiveness of support models; and the ability to integrate with public health programs. Limitations and lessons need to be clearly stated as a basis for developing the 2026-2035 program.

Second, localities need to point out urgent requirements in the process of transferring management tasks from the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to the Ministry of Health; human resource needs, inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms, implementation focal points, ensuring support services, as well as difficulties in operating a two-level government model.

View of the conference to review the Prostitution Prevention and Control Program for the 2021-2025 period and develop the program for the 2026-2035 period.

Third, the 2026–2035 program must be concise, focused, and clearly define the responsibilities of each agency. The health sector will preside over essential service systems such as friendly health services, psychological counseling, harm reduction, integration support, and the development of a national electronic database.

Finally, it is necessary to improve the inter-sectoral coordination mechanism. Although the Ministry of Health is the lead agency, the work of preventing and combating prostitution is only effective with the participation of the Public Security, Justice, Education, Culture, and Home Affairs sectors; and social organizations and unions.

The Deputy Minister asked delegates to contribute solutions for close coordination, avoiding overlap and dispersion of resources.

Immediately after the Conference, the Ministry of Health will direct the completion of the summary report according to comments; develop a draft program for 2026-2035 to submit to the Government; issue professional regulations on specialized inspection; deploy a national electronic database; and at the same time, strengthen training for staff at all levels.

The Deputy Minister hopes to continue receiving coordination from ministries, branches and localities; support from international and non-governmental organizations; as well as the accompaniment of media agencies and efforts from grassroots cadres.

"With a serious, scientific and humane working spirit, I believe the conference will open a new, more effective phase for the work of preventing and combating prostitution," Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong emphasized.

The conference to review the Program on Prostitution Prevention and Control for the period 2021-2025 and develop the program for the period 2026-2035 was chaired by Mr. To Duc - Director of the Department of Social Protection, with the participation of delegates from central and local ministries, branches.

Representatives of the Ministry of Public Security, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People's Court, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, An Giang and the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) contributed many practical and humane ideas. The ideas were noted by the Department of Social Protection to continue perfecting the Program on preventing and combating prostitution for the period 2026-2035.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/thu-truong-bo-y-te-nguyen-thi-lien-huong-chuyen-huong-tiep-can-nhan-van-hon-trong-phong-chong-mai-dam-169251204182545544.htm