At a meeting with ambassadors and representatives of international organizations and donors of Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS, drug and prostitution control activities in Hanoi on December 12, Deputy PM Phuc said the Vietnamese government has assigned the Health Ministry to draft a plan on the issue for the 2011-2020 period. 

The country plans to consolidate the operation of the National Steering Committee on HIV/AIDS, Drug and Prostitution Prevention from central to grassroot levels, and ensure ministries, agencies and mass organizations get further involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, illegal drugs and prostitution, Phuc said. 

Australian Ambassador Allaster Cox, on behalf of international organizations and donors, spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in socio-economic development and the fight against HIV/AIDS, drugs and prostitution. 

He said HIV/AIDS is no longer a matter for the health sector alone but a social issue and Vietnam needs to strengthen cooperation between branches, agencies and social organizations to implement the task. 

The ambassador said international organizations are committed to supporting Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS, drugs and prostitution prevention policies and helping the country maintain its achievements in this field.