(VOVWORLD) - Communities play an important role in HIV/AIDS prevention interventions. In Can Tho city community-based groups for HIV/AIDS prevention and control are actively working side by side with the health sector to reduce the number of new HIV/AIDS cases.
 Chance members discuss their work. (photo: VOV) |
A group called “Chance” of 6 members and 9 collaborators has been set up to communicate about HIV/AIDS prevention and control on social networks and give advice to people living with HIV/AIDS. On average, each member in the group has helped 300 to 400 people.
Head of the group Nguyen Quoc Cuong said: “We will launch campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention for students, workers, and self-employed people. We’ll provide them with information about reproductive health and gender.”
Many private clinics run by social enterprises have also joined the effort in helping HIV carriers and AIDS patients. The GLINK clinic in Binh Thuy district, Can Tho city, has helped thousands of people with AIDS.
 A "Chance" member offers advice to a client. (photo: VOV) |
D.K.T., a patient in Can Tho city, said: “When I visit the GLINK clinic, I can feel their friendliness and professionalism. I feel comfortable and believe in the consultants and doctors. It’s the right place for me to put my trust.”
Pham Cong Thanh, an HIV/AIDS consultant at GLINK clinic, said: “A problem for GLINK is helping patients overcome their complex. We help them find psychological relief so they can share with us their health problem and accept treatment. We also make them more aware of the importance of transmission prevention.”
In addition to the community-based groups, the Can Tho Center for Disease Control maintains a network of collaborators at universities and colleges engaging Youth Union officials and members of students’ groups.