According to the Da Nang HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Centre, a total of 433 people with HIV/AIDS are reported in the city, and they are outpatients at local clinics. 432 of them are receiving anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment at the centre.

HIV-infected children taking part in an outdoor activity

In attempting to reduce the number of new HIV cases, various proactive measures have been taken by the centre.

In particular, the centre has become actively involved in providing consultancy services for infected people, and conducting screening tests for the early detection of HIV infections for timely treatment.

Also, focus has been on raising the infected people’s awareness about taking timely follow-up examinations and medicines, as well as using health insurance cards for HIV patients.

The centre usually organises entertainment activities, and presents gifts for HIV-infected children on International Children's Day and the Mid-autumn Festival. An anual get-together for HIV patients is also held on the occasion of the World AIDS Day (1 December).

Last year, the centre funded around 70 million VND to buy health insurance to a total of 102 HIV-infected people and community health workers. Thanks to this, 100% of HIV patients who are receiving ARV treatment enjoy benefits from their health insurance cards.

Dr Le Thanh Chung, the centre’s Deputy Director, said that his centre would continue to help HIV patients buy health insurance, as well as appeal for the whole community to join efforts to help them overcome their inferiority complex and health difficulties to integrate into the community.