Dang VK, Le DH, Chu QA, Doan N; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeE6922.
Vietnamese Community Mobilization Center for HIV/AIDS Control, Hanoi, Vietnam
Issues: Vietnam, stands at a point in the trajectory of the HIV epidemic where appropriate action could avert a terrible burden. Part of that action needs to be the development of a suitable legal and policy framework to prevent arbitrary discrimination towards PLWHA. Before this can be done, however, a situational analysis of HIV related discrimination is needed. Descriptions: As a part of this analysis a study was conducted in Hanoi City. The objectives of the study were to identify HIV discrimination, using a participatory research approach involving researchers, medical and legal officials, caregivers, and PLWHA. Interviews were conducted with Key Informants (people working in key areas of social life) and with Direct Witnesses (people directly experiencing HIV/AIDS related discrimination). Supporting the study was desk-audit conducted by the Vietnam National AIDS Standing Bureau. Lessons Learned: Vietnam has a comprehensive system of legal documents which have contributed to the primary success in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. However, there are several articles that may be considered unnecessarily proscriptive and need to be changed particularly as the manifestation of the epidemic continues to change and the number of PLWHA increases. There are significant areas of practice, particularly in health care, which need to address institutional discrimination. Recommendations: The process of conducting the situational analysis has itself contributed momentum toward NGO and Government efforts to address HIV discrimination. Specific recommendations from the situational analysis include (i) concrete regulations about voluntary testing and counseling, confidentiality, and non-discrimination; (ii) to empower local NGOs working for human rights protection and the development of PLWHA networks, and (iii) to make NGOs the effective bridge of advocacy for the rights and obligations of PLWHA.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Counseling
- Goals
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Human Rights
- Humans
- Legislation
- Prejudice
- Research
- Vietnam
Other ID:
UI: 102284831
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