The Risk of Losing 14 Years of HIV/AIDS Prevention Efforts in Vietnam – What Solutions Can Sustain the Achievements?

Safeguarding Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS Achievements Amid Funding Challenges

Recently, Lighthouse Social Enterprise attended a meeting organized by the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Health to discuss the estimated projections for HIV from 2025 to 2030. The meeting gathered experts from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, UNAIDS, WHO, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations. The data presented at the event highlighted a clear reality: while Vietnam has made significant progress in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, maintaining these achievements remains a major challenge as international funding continues to decline drastically.

Remarkable Achievements

Since 2010, Vietnam has successfully reduced new HIV infections by 50%, an impressive result compared to other countries in the region. This success stems from the expansion of effective intervention programs, including widespread condom distribution, the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), early HIV testing, and the scaling up of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment through health insurance. These initiatives have significantly reduced new infections, improved the quality of life for people living with HIV, and alleviated the overall disease burden within the community. However, the majority of these activities have been funded by international donors such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. As these funding sources diminish, Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS response faces a severe shortage of financial and human resources, putting ongoing intervention programs at risk.

The Risk of Reverting to 2010 Levels Without Timely Action

Experts at the meeting presented various forecasting scenarios for 2025-2030. One of the most concerning projections indicates that without sustained and expanded interventions, new HIV infections could surpass 12,000 cases by 2030—bringing Vietnam back to the HIV epidemic levels of 2010. Such a scenario would not only undo 14 years of progress and waste $2.6 billion in investments but also make the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 increasingly unattainable.

Essential Strategies for Sustaining Progress

Given the constraints in available resources, focusing on strategic interventions, particularly within the MSM (men who have sex with men) community, will yield the highest impact. Key solutions include:

• Expanding and diversifying PrEP programs: In addition to daily oral PrEP, the introduction of long-acting injectable PrEP would provide more convenient options for users. Developing tailored PrEP solutions for high-risk groups, such as the PrEP vaginal ring for women, should also be considered.

• Enhancing early HIV testing: Regular HIV testing allows for early detection, timely initiation of treatment, and the prevention of further transmission within the community.

• Ensuring adherence to ARV treatment: When people living with HIV maintain consistent treatment, their viral load can be suppressed to undetectable levels, effectively preventing HIV transmission (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).

• Promoting condom use: Condoms remain one of the most effective prevention methods, reducing the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination: Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing individuals from accessing testing and treatment services. Strengthening public awareness campaigns and improving healthcare service quality will help create a more inclusive and discrimination-free environment for high-risk populations.

The Role of the Community and Society

Sustaining Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS prevention achievements is not only the responsibility of the healthcare system and policymakers but also requires active participation from the entire community and society. Individuals can contribute by undergoing regular HIV testing, adopting preventive measures such as condoms and PrEP, and increasing awareness about HIV to combat misconceptions. Additionally, sharing accurate information from reliable sources, such as the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC), Rainbow Station, and Lighthouse Clinic, will help foster a more informed and supportive society.

Urging Support from Authorities and Organizations

Beyond community efforts, continued investment from the government, international organizations, and civil society is crucial to sustaining HIV/AIDS prevention programs. This financial commitment ensures the availability of essential services and empowers community-led initiatives to drive impactful responses to the HIV epidemic. Multisectoral support will be a key factor in helping Vietnam move closer to its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Act Now for a Future Without HIV/AIDS

Safeguarding Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS prevention achievements is a collective responsibility. Each individual can play a part by engaging in prevention activities, seeking early testing, and accessing timely treatment. For more information or support, consult official sources or reach out to healthcare organizations for guidance and assistance.

Now is the critical moment for action. By working together, we can protect the progress made and move towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat in Vietnam.