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CURRENTS
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Misperceptions, stigmas, and stereotypes all pose barriers to the eradication of HIV/AIDS in Vietnam. Vietnam is home to a concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemic in which most people infected are either injection-drug users or sex workers. Prostitution and drug use are both considered “social evils” by Vietnamese society and are believed to produce negative consequences for society. The Vietnamese government has institutionalized these views. “Prostitution and drugs are social evils against the moral and traditional customs and habits of the nation. All forms of these social evils should be prevented and violated persons should be severely punished.” Because of these ideas, many stigmas face those that are infected with the virus (Understanding HIV and AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Vietnam). PLWHAs (people living with HIV/AIDS) in Vietnam consistently face social isolation and abuses of their human rights. Many lose their jobs and become dependent on their families for support. A survey conducted by UNICEF/UNAIDS/WHO found that in the workplace, 50% of those surveyed did not want a relationship with an infected worker and believed that the infected worker was responsible for their own negative behavior. In addition, 30% believed that the infected person should be fired. These stigmas are supported by lack of education and awareness about the disease. The media emphasizes these fears by reinforcing prevailing stereotypes and misperceptions about HIV/AIDS. Thus, people are extremely fearful of the disease and therefore treat infected people poorly. PLWHAs are treated so poorly that many refuse to get tested or do not receive treatment for their illness. To help eradicate these misperceptions and fears, more education and awareness initiatives must take place. Also, leaders must show by example that there is no need to fear contact with infected people. Impact of HIV The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam is concentrated. Sixty percent of those infected
are injection-drug users and many others work in the sex industry. However,
HIV/AIDS infection through sexual transmission is on the rise and the epidemic
is spreading to all sectors of society. This will prove detrimental to the Vietnamese
economy. Many PLWHAs lose their jobs because they are infected and become completely
dependent on their families. Government Response and Access Although Vietnam is experiencing a concentrated epidemic, mostly among injection-drug users and sex workers, the epidemic has recently started to spread to the general population. Until recently, the Vietnamese government had defined the disease as a problem of “socially marginalized groups,” and denounced it as a social evil. However, they are beginning to understand that the disease is spreading to the general population, and government officials have begun promoting prevention and awareness functions (The Economist: July 2, 2005). In March 2004, the prime minister approved the first National Strategy on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control until 2010. This program pledged to allocate more money to the cause to develop a multisectoral response to the virus. This involves increased education, testing facilities, counseling, and condom promotion. In addition to the programs discussed earlier, the UN International Drug Control Programme has created initiatives to reduce drug-related infections through programs like syringe exchanges. However, more must still be done. Many of these needle and syringe programs are still in pilot phases and have not been implemented throughout society. Additionally, the World Health Organization estimated that in June 2004, only 1,000 adults with advanced HIV infection were receiving antiretroviral treatment. However, in 2003, 22,000 PLWHAs were in need of the treatment. Education and awareness programs about HIV/AIDS must be made more prevalent within the country as well. In a survey conducted in 2002 by UNICEF/UNAIDS/WHO, it was found that only 26% of females ages 15 to19 could successfully name three ways to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS. In fact, 15% of those surveyed had never heard of the disease. Scale UNAIDS estimates that 40 to50 Vietnamese are infected daily and 40 to120 PLWHAs
die daily from the virus. Some statistics to demonstrate the severity of HIV/AIDS
in Vietnam follow. Local NGO profile: Community Action for Preventing HIV/AIDS The Community Action for Preventing HIV/AIDS is an organization that works in the greater Mekong subregion (Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) in a variety of capacities to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS within Vietnam. They promote 100% condom use through education about safe sex and free condom distribution. They also provide counseling services, social support, and clinical facilities for people infected with the virus. Common Misperceptions about Ways to Transmit HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: - HIV can be transmitted through massage Facts and Resources about AIDS in Vietnam *UNAIDS: "HIV/AIDS: A Social and Economic Challenge for Vietnam" *"Understanding HIV and AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Vietnam" *The Socioeconomic Impact of HIV/AIDS in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
