Vietnam reconfirms its commitment

New York (VNA) - Vietnam reconfirms its commitment to and determination in
implementing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration
on HIV/AIDS, said a Vietnamese diplomat.

Ambassador Bui The Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN
made the confirmation at the UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting in New York on
June 17.

“It is along this line that Viet Nam has done its utmost to take care of
almost 170,000 Vietnamese living with HIV/AIDS while trying to reverse the spread of
the epidemic which has, up to now, taken lives of over 41,000 of our compatriots,”
the Vietnamese diplomat said.

He said Vietnam has continuously improved HIV/AIDS control legal and executive
systems, including the enactment of the Law on HIV/AIDS Control, the National
HIV/AIDS Control Strategy, and 9 Programs of Action, and the establishment of
HIV/AIDS Control Centers in 61 out of total 63 provinces and cities of the country.


The Vietnamese Ambassador, however, highlighted many challenges to Vietnam in
the fight against HIV/AIDS, including weak personnel and equipment of HIV/AIDS
control centres, limited fund and lack of medicines for adequate treatment of
patients, among others.

Ambassador Giang said “in order for these challenges to be dealt with effectively,
apart from our own efforts, international cooperation and assistance are much
needed.” “We call for continued cooperation and assistance from the United
Nations system, its member States, and international and non-governmental
organizations, while staying ready to share our modest practical experiences in this
field,” he concluded.-Enditem