HIV carriers in Vietnam forecast to rise this year
The number of HIV cases in Vietnam is forecast to rise to 260,000 by the end of 2005 and 300,000 by 2010, from the current number of more than 241,000, the Health Ministry said Friday.
Up to 80 percent of the HIV sufferers, mostly prostitutes and drug addicts, are expected in the age bracket of 20-39, the ministry said, noting localities with the most of cases will include Hanoi the capital, southern Ho Chi Minh City, and northern provinces of Son La and Quang Ninh.
In the first half of this year, Vietnam detected 6,704 new HIV carriers, including 1,377 AIDS patients and 670 fatalities. The country has targeted to reduce the HIV/AIDS infection rate among its 82-million population to below 0.3 percent by 2010, and keep it unchanged after 2020.
To this end, it has intensified publicity about HIV/ AIDS with contents expanding into areas of virtues, lifestyle and behavior, including encouraging youths to use "ABC" preventive approach ( Abstinence, Being faithful and Condom use) and keep away from such evils as drug addiction and prostitution.
Xinhuanet - October 01, 2005.
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