Thirty-five years after reporting its first HIV case, Viet Nam stands as a regional leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As the country reaches the midpoint of its strategy to end AIDS by 2030, it faces both celebration and challenge.
From fear to resilience
In 1999, when she tested positive, HIV was a terrifying mystery to Hai Phong woman Pham Thi Hue.
“I had no idea what it was. Growing up in the countryside, I didn’t know. I only knew that it was a disease that meant death. So, I was terrified and thought I was about to die.”
Today, Ms Hue leads a healthy and active life as an HIV advocate and leader – nationally and internationally. Read Ms Hue’s remarkable story of despair and hope here.
/countries/viet-nam/who07772_web.jpg?sfvrsn=593212c_1 "WHO07772_web")
Pham Thi Hue felt despair and hopelessness when she found out she had HIV 26 years ago. She found strength by understanding how to manage her health and reaching out to others. Photo credit: WHO / Loan Tran
Viet Nam too has undergone a remarkable transformation, which began in 1995, when the Party Commission issued Directive Number 52, making HIV prevention a national priority.
Since then, the country has achieved one of the most rapid and substantial declines in new HIV infections in the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). Between 2010 and recent years, new infections fell nearly 60% from 14 000 a year to fewer than 6300 in 2024 as a result of the strong Government leadership, collective action and the critical support provided by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund).
Support systems that work
This progress is the result of a strong prevention programme—including harm reduction, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and expanded treatment services. Today, Viet Nam is close to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed, meaning they can no longer infect others.
Viet Nam’s approach has evolved as transmission patterns have changed. Harm reduction programmes, PrEP and people starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the day they test positive are essential elements in preventing and managing this chronic health condition. Social health insurance (SHI) has helped sustain treatment access, while community-based organizations (CBOs) play a vital role in reaching key populations of people who are more at risk of HIV infection.
WHO spoke to several men who have sex with men (MSM), one of these key populations.
For Mr P, aged 21, this support is tangible.
“ARV medicine is fully covered by health insurance. The doctor here also prescribes me medicines that help improve my immune system but they don’t cost much. Overall, my health is decent. Then I get my prescribed ARV free of charge.”
/countries/viet-nam/who07926_web.jpg?sfvrsn=cb1ab60a_3 "WHO07926_web")
WHO Viet Nam United Nations Volunteer junior communications officer My Pham and a young man with HIV share a smile. Mr M stressed the value of friends who understand the chronic, manageable health condition and encourage him. Photo credit: WHO / Loan Tran
Mr M, aged 31, praised the care he received at grassroots level.
“The ward health station staff are very helpful and supportive. Once I got my result, they immediately got me on a treatment regimen. Their encouragement helps me feel reassured and less worried during treatment. I have their phone numbers so I can ask for advice if needed.”
The men asked WHO not to reveal their names. Some worried friends and family would discriminate against if they did not know that HIV is spread from the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. It is not spread by kisses, hugs or sharing food. It can also spread from a mother to her baby.
/countries/viet-nam/who08072_web.jpg?sfvrsn=d86c81ab_1 "WHO08072_web")
Since Viet Nam reported its first case of HIV in 1990, the health authorities have shared crucial information on prevention and care to reduce stigma and discrimination, and give people confidence to seek testing and treatment. Photo credit: WHO / Loan Tran
Progress – and closing gaps
Despite the gains, Viet Nam faces a pivotal moment. Health system restructuring and declining external funding pose risks to sustaining momentum. Some countries in the region have seen spikes in new cases—a reminder of what could happen if vigilance falters.
One of the remaining gaps is reaching young MSM so they know to start preventive treatment (PrEP), get tested regularly and start treatment promptly to protect their health. Stigma and discrimination remain barriers for many, especially young people and those in marginalized groups.
To finish the fight against HIV, WHO remains committed to supporting Viet Nam to advocate to mobilize funding to ensure everyone has access to care; integrate HIV care into primary health care; scale up prevention and testing, especially PrEP and harm reduction, to reach key populations including MSM, male sex workers and people who are economically disadvantaged; and support community organizations that connect people to services and fight stigma.
/countries/viet-nam/who08104_web.jpg?sfvrsn=1eb7c78b_1 "WHO08104_web")
Although there is no cure for HIV infection, with access to effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives. Photo credit: WHO / Loan Tran
A moment to celebrate – and recommit
The global theme for World AIDS Day 2025 is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” In Viet Nam, the Ministry of Health chose “Unity is strength – Join hands to end the AIDS epidemic” as the theme for National Action Month.
WHO Representative in Viet Nam Dr. Angela Pratt praised the country’s progress and pledged ongoing support:
“World AIDS Day 2025 is a moment to celebrate Viet Nam’s achievements and to recommit to finishing the fight. Over the past decades, WHO has been proud to be part of this success story, along with partners including UNAIDS and the Global Fund. The country’s success story proves that progress is possible.
“But the final stretch – to reach underserved people – demands courage, innovation and solidarity. Both the global and national themes this year underscore the need to level up collaboration so that we can end AIDS for good.”
Hope for the future
Viet Nam has every reason to be optimistic about the future. And so do people with HIV.
Asked if he has tips for others, Mr P said:
“I have two. First, everyone should have regular general health check-ups. Second, if you are HIV positive, try not to worry too much. Health insurance will cover most of your treatment cost and ARV is free. Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan and everything will be okay.”
Ms Hue echoed his words:
“My message to people living with HIV today is, don’t lose hope. HIV is no longer a death sentence. With treatment and support, you can live a healthy, meaningful life. Taking medication and having insurance are the two things I want to convey to everyone. Seek information, connect with the community and never isolate yourself.”