Treatment of HIV-positive and AIDS patients will become difficult in the future if 90 percent of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) provided by international organizations will be reduced.  

The Ministry of Health and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggested the possible difficulties that HIV and AIDS patients will face after reduction of ARV drugs, at a conference in Da Nang on October 24 and 25.

There are around 200,000 HIV-infected patients across the country, of which 46,000 are AIDS patients. According to the World Health Organization, treatment by ARV drugs has significantly contributed in controlling the HIV epidemic.  However, several HIV patients do not have access to health care and treatment services.

In related news, the Ministry of Health had announced a national action month for the prevention of HIV and AIDS, starting November 10 till December 10, with the theme, “No more new HIV patients”.

The campaign aims to generate awareness and greater responsibility in the community for HIV/AIDS prevention.

The ministry has also made HIV tests mandatory, including for organ donors and recipients, and patients undertaking clinical examination and showing symptoms of HIV.