Vietnam has made continuous efforts in carrying out its commitment to minimize new HIV infections, eliminate discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, an international agency said. Vietnam has made continuous efforts in carrying out its commitment to minimize new HIV infections, eliminate discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, said the Office of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (USGAC).

The Principal Deputy of the USGAC, Deborah Von Zinkernagel, made the statement during her meeting on August 21 with Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who is in Washington D.C for a working visit. The USGAC official praised Vietnam for achieving important results in AIDS prevention and said that the country has set a good example for other countries to follow in the field. She added that the USGAC will continue supporting Vietnam in combating HIV.   For his part, Deputy PM Phuc said that Vietnamese Government commits to maintaining its achievements by raising budget for the National Target Program on HIV/AIDS prevention, mobilizing further participation of the community and society and optimizing the resources for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Phuc noted that the country’s achievements in this area have been significantly attributed to USGAC’s valuable assistance as up to 70 percent of Vietnamese drug addicts have been treated with Methadone sponsored by the office. The Deputy PM said he hoped that the USGAC and donors would continue to provide technical and financial assistance for Vietnam. He also told the USGAC official that Vietnam has built and developed a legal framework, including the Law on AIDS Prevention and Control and the National Strategy on HIV/AIDS Prevention.