Vietnamese government must wake up to country's AIDS crisis
By Vivian LeTran
July 19, 2004
Bangkok - While the world’s scientists, journalists, politicians, activists,
celebrities and other delegates convened in Thailand’s capital for the 15th
International AIDS Conference, it’s a surprise that Vietnam has had no presence
at this global event.
Vietnam is considered the next hotspot where the disease is expected to rapidly
spread, unless the Vietnamese government acts immediately. But no one seems to
be sure what, if anything, the government is doing to address the problem.
In the past five years, the number of people infected with HIV has nearly
doubled in Vietnam. An estimated 220,000 Vietnamese adults and children are
infected and live with the disease today, according to the United Nations AIDS
program reports for 2004.
Vietnam’s neighboring countries – including Cambodia, the Philippines and China
– have been highly visible at the conference programs and international leaders
have acknowledged Vietnam’s growing health problems. But very little detail is
known about what comprehensive programs and initiatives are in place in Vietnam
to combat the disease on a nationwide scale.
AIDS is a pandemic that has reached every corner of the world from remote,
rural areas to major metropolitans, killing children and adults alike. The
conference provides a groundswell of optimism, hope and cooperation on a united
global front.
The fight against AIDS begins on the ground level, getting the word out to
local communities. Here in Bangkok, it’s a common and frightening reality to
see attractive Thai girls and young women who make a living as sex workers.
They are everywhere, on the streets, in hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.
These women, along with intravenous drug users, are among the highest at risk
for contracting HIV.
It’s a similar scene in Vietnam, and I cringe at the thought of Vietnam as the
next, emerging “sex capital of the world” a reputation that Thailand has
garnered.
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