More support for HIV/AIDS-affected children

HANOI, April 25 (VNA) - The Prime Minister has agreed with the national plan of action for HIV/AIDS-affected children for the 2014-2020 period, said the Vietnam Government Portal. Under the newly-approved document, by 2020, all schools will enroll children affected by HIV/AIDS. Ninety percent of this group of children will be able to access services on health care, education, consultation, nutrition and physical development as well as entertainment. Almost all sites and social organisations which support, take care of and treat HIV positive children will be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills. The action plan aims to strengthen the role of administrative authorities, perfect the legal system in favour of the protection of HIV/AIDS children carriers, and pilot a service model to take care of them at the community. It also targets to improve competence of social organisations and service providers in order to avoid discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected children and boost social engagement and international cooperation. Earlier, the PM released Decision 84/2009/QD-TTg approving a national plan of action for HIV/AIDS-affected children up to 2010, with a vision towards 2020. The document is a concerted effort of interdisciplinary agencies and international organisations in Vietnam to take care of, treat and assist children living with HIV/AIDS. Since 2012, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has piloted the care service model for children living with HIV/AIDS in eight provinces namely Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Nam Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Yen Ba, Quang Nam and Phu Tho. So far, over 3,100 children have benefited from the model.-VNA