VN makes progress in combating HIV epidemic, says new study
VGP – A new study entitled “Outcomes of Antiretroviral Therapy in Viet Nam: Results from a National Evaluation” shows that Viet Nam’s large scale up of HIV services is helping to combat the country’s HIV epidemic.
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Supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study evaluated the treatment outcomes of 6,875 patients on antiretroviral treatment from 2005 to 2010. Recently published by the online journal PLOS ONE, the study focuses on Viet Nam’s HIV-infected population, including most-at-risk groups such as injecting drug users – the key drivers of the HIV epidemic in Viet Nam.
“The study shows generally good responses to antiretroviral therapy and high retention rates among those on treatment,” said Dr. Michelle McConnell, CDC Viet Nam’s Country Director. “This means clients on antiretroviral therapy can go on to lead healthy and productive lives. From a public health perspective, these findings are also important for prevention of HIV, as once on treatment, people infected with HIV are less likely to pass the virus on to others in their community.”
“The results reflect the robust partnership between the United States and Viet Nam in implementing a national HIV program that addresses the clients’ needs, and show that Viet Nam’s Ministry of Health is committed to a strong and sustainable HIV healthcare strategy,” she added.
“The findings from this evaluation are very useful in improving Viet Nam’s national antiretroviral therapy program,” said Dr. Nhan Thi Do, Head of the Care and Treatment Department at the Viet Nam Administration of AIDS Control. “Now we can identify any shortcomings and develop appropriate solutions and strategies to ensure a better program in the future.”
Through PEPFAR and CDC, the United States continues to provide funding and technical support to Vietnam to bolster its national HIV program. In 2013 a new outcome evaluation will be carried out to assess the effectiveness of recently adopted guidelines, such as increasing the CD4 threshold that qualify a patient for treatment and improved antiretroviral regimens.
By VGP
