Fewer people living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam

According to a March 2 conference in Haiphong to review the operation of the National Committee for AIDS, Drugs and Prostitute Prevention in 2011 and put forth its tasks for 2012, Vietnam now has 49,000 living with full-blown AIDS.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted the coordinated efforts of ministries, agencies and localities in preventing AIDS, drugs and prostitution in 2011.

He asked relevant ministries and agencies to effectively implement national strategy for drug prevention, combat and control in Vietnam through 2020, and orientations toward 2030, and promote communication work, especially in hot spots and among high-risk people.

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the conference

Forces should continue campaigns to crack down on drug crime, put on drug prevention action months, and research detoxification models, he said.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Lieutenant-General Pham Quy Ngo pointed out some shortcomings in the fight, citing poor communication as an example.

The management of detoxification and post-detoxification remains poor, while authorities have not effectively cooperated in prevention, he said.

In 2011, the National Committee for AIDS, Drugs and Prostitute Prevention worked well with relevant ministries and agencies such as the Ministries of National Defence and Public Security and the General Department of Vietnam Customs to prevent AIDS, drugs and prostitution.

Nearly 26,700 criminals involved in more than 18,600 cases were arrested by authorities. However, the situation remains complicated with stiff resistance from criminals.

Drug plants are still cultivated in some northern mountain provinces, while cannabis is grown in some southern localities.