The professor, who made great contributions to detecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1983, endorsed regular health check-ups and early HIV testing as ways to identify and treat the disease in a timely manner, and protect others.

As a coordinator of the action programme of the French National Agency for HIV/AIDS Research in Southeast Asia (ANRS), Sinoussi acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment as well as in helping people living with HIV reintegrate into the community.

However, the fact that people still hesitate to have their blood tested for early detecting HIV/AIDS infection will hinder the country’s ability to prevent the disease, she said

At present, many scientific advancements are being applied to treat AIDS patients. Mrs. Sinoussi said, however, if prevention efforts are not given enough attention, the disease will re-emerge strongly, even in rich countries.

For her efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention research activities in Vietnam , the French scientist was awarded the Medal for Public Health by the Vietnamese State in March 2009.

Since its first recorded case in 1990, Vietnam has seen more than 156,800 HIV/AIDS-infections, causing over 44,200 deaths.