This was emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong at a conference held by the National Committee for HIV/AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Prevention and Control in Hanoi on January 19.

The event attracted a host of domestic and international delegates who praised Vietnam’s achievements in combating HIV/AIDS, drugs and prostitution in recent years.

Deputy PM Trong expressed his appreciation for the assistance of international organisations and donors. Joint efforts by domestic and foreign organisations and individuals have helped drug addicts, former prostitutes and people living with HIV/AIDS reintegrated into the community, he said.

Mr Trong called for more financial support and tougher measures to prevent discrimination. He also urged provinces and cities to use their budgets and donations by international organisations more effectively.

According to statistics from the National Committee for HIV/AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Prevention and Control, at the end of 2009, Vietnam had 156,802 HIV patients, more than 146,700 drug addicts and 29,259 prostitutes.