In his writing titled "The Promise of Partnerships" on World AIDS Day (December 1), Ambassador Marine affirmed that the new Law on HIV/AIDS is a major step forward, which will have lasting positive impacts.

"The United States is proud to be a partner with the Vietnamese Government and people in the fight against HIV/AIDS," he wrote.

The diplomat revealed that with nearly US$80 million dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS in Vietnam so far, the US Government has helped to provide much-needed care and treatment, anti-retroviral drugs, education and awareness programmes, and initiatives to fight stigma and discrimination against those living with the virus.

"We are helping achieve results, but these positive advancements come only through joint work with dedicated people in government and community-based organisations here at all levels," the ambassador stressed.

VNA