Ha Noi, 18 November 2024 - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Central Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union successfully organized a series of training courses in September and October to address the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth in the Central and Southern regions of Vietnam.
The training targeted young people with high-risk behaviors, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and young men working in entertainment establishments. The training course also aims to enhance the capacity of Youth Union officials in approaching and supporting key populations to prevent HIV and STI. Thereby, contributing to reducing stigma and discrimination against vulnerable groups.
Throughout the training courses, nearly 100 young people participated in interactive activities to understand the current status of HIV and STI, barriers to accessing HIV and STI prevention and treatment services; measures to prevent and the most effective communication for individuals, groups and communities.
In addition to raising awareness among young people, the training sessions also provided opportunities to practice harm reduction interventions in preventing HIV infection, including practicing safe and healthy sex, using condoms and lubricants correctly, and using clean needles and syringes. Participants were also introduced to preventive measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Through group discussions and interactive activities, the youth enhanced their personal planning and communication skills, equipping them to share critical knowledge within their communities.
"Young people have the right to access accurate information and youth-friendly services for their sexual and reproductive health," stated Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam. "Our collective strength can turn the tide on this AIDS epidemic and achieve national and global strategies to end it completely. By working together, we will contribute to the national HIV prevention programmes, reduce the number of new infections, protect lives, and ensure that every young person can lead the way toward a healthier, more inclusive life - leaving no one behind.”
According to the annual report of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, in 2023, Viet Nam reported more than 13,000 new HIV diagnoses, with a significant increase in cases among young men aged 15-30 in urban centers and industrial zones. Among MSM, the infection rate has doubled since 2014. UNFPA’s collaboration with the Youth Union is part of a broader effort to address the critical challenges highlighted by recent data.
This initiative is a significant advancement toward achieving both national and global goals to end AIDS. By providing young people with the necessary tools and confidence, the program seeks to play a pivotal role in national prevention efforts. It aims to reduce new infections by promoting awareness, education, and proactive measures within the youth community. By empowering young individuals with knowledge and resources, this initiative ensures that every young person has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Ultimately, it fosters a generation that is well-informed, resilient, and capable of contributing to a future free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.
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Notes to editors:
About United Nations Population Fund:
UNFPA is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health and population agency. Its mission is “to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”
In 2018, UNFPA launched strategic efforts to achieve three transformative outcomes that promise to change the world for every woman, man and young person: zero preventable maternal death, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices, such as child marriage.
Within UNFPA Viet Nam’s programmes, UNFPA Viet Nam’s youth and adolescent programme is a comprehensive initiative to promote sexual and reproductive health among young people, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS prevention. The programme aims to support the Government of Viet Nam in implementing the Youth Law and the National Strategy for Youth Development 2021-2030. By providing young people with access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, it aims to reduce new HIV infections and ensure that every young person can live a healthy, fulfilling life, including comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to empower young people to make informed decisions, engage young people in policy-making and advocacy, increase access to youth-friendly health services, and work with national partners on policy advocacy. Emphasizes addressing gender inequality and harmful practices that significantly impact youth vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. By promoting an inclusive environment and promoting the rights of all youth, the initiative aims to create a generation that is well-informed, resilient, and capable of contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
Overview of the HIV/AIDS epidemic situation:
According to statistics from the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Health, in 2023, the country recorded 13,445 new HIV positive cases and 1,623 deaths.
Regarding the distribution of new cases detected by location nationwide, the highest number was in the Mekong Delta (33%) and Ho Chi Minh City (23.5%), the Southeast region was 21%.
The HIV infection rate among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased alarmingly, from 6.7% in 2014 to 12.47% in 2022. In some localities, the proportion of people infected with HIV who are MSM accounts for 50-70% of the total number of detected HIV infections. Warning of the risk of HIV infection that is difficult to control among MSM due to related factors such as: mobility between provinces and cities, unsafe sexual behavior and lack of effective intervention measures.
