1.The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the community continues to decline, standing at a rate of 0.24 per cent but showing signs of increasing in high-risk groups (MSM, IDUs) and remains far from the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic.

The figure was revealed at a seminar held by the department in Hanoi on November 8.

2. Expanding and diversifying HIV testing services, detecting nearly 10,000 new HIV cases through new testing solutions such as: testing at healthcare facilities, community-based testing, self-testing, using new bio-products to detect HIV infections early, fourth generation bio-product testing, etc.

3. Encouraging the participation of community organizations in HIV/AIDS prevention and control by researching and assessing the situation, proposing solutions, organizing conferences, etc.

4. Treatment of drug addiction continues to be maintained. Currently, there are nearly 53,000 patients regularly receiving highly-effective methadone treatment. Buprenorphine has been used in seven provinces. MMT home delivery is about to be piloted. The Ministry of Health has issued guidance on the management of meth addiction.

5. New generation of preventive medicine: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is well implemented. The number of users has increased faster than that of regional countries. There are currently 4,000 people using PrEP. Treatment retention rate remains high.

6. ARV treatment continues to be expanded with good quality. About 140,000 patients are being treated with ARV. The ARV compliance rate after 12 months reaches 88 percent. The viral load below the suppression threshold (less than 1000 copies per ml of blood) reaches 95 percent. The viral load below the detection threshold (200 copies per ml of blood) reaches 92 percent. The treatment regimen is constantly updated. The new drug (TLD) has been licensed. Extended treatment and medicine distribution conducted for many months.

7. Launch of National K = K campaign to reduce stigma and discrimination, enhance people's access to HIV/AIDS prevention services. Implementing the Ministry of Health's directive on removing stigma and discrimination against HIV at healthcare facilities.

8. Successful conversion of ARV treatment from aid to health insurance. Many activities have been carried out such as communication campaigns, improving quality of more than 400 treatment facilities, centralized bidding, expanded health insurance, assistance of medicine payment, etc. About 40,000 patients are receiving ARV drugs through health insurance.

9. Thorough assessment of HIV/AIDS prevention and control for ten years; formulating a "National strategy to end the AIDS epidemic in Vietnam by 2030".

10. Assessment on the implementation of the Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control; proposing amendments and supplements to this Law and submit it to the National Assembly for consideration in October 2020./.