(VOVworld) – Phan Vu Ngoc Phuong has been a nurse for 32 years. Her sympathy for HIV carriers has relieved their pain, encouraging them to think positively and be more optimistic.

Phuong works at Tien Giang province’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center. Her daily work is giving HIV carriers consultations, care and treatment guidance but whenever the doctors are absent, she also provides medical examinations. Phuong says that by listening to the patients’ stories, she learns something about their feelings and their circumstances so she can think of a way to encourage them. Phuong has been caring for HIV carriers for more than 10 years and she feels sorry for the social stigma against them. Phuong says she considers HIV carriers to be like family members because she understands their mental pain: “Some HIV positive people were abandoned by their families and died in the hospital. I feel very sorry for them and sympathy is what motivates me in my work.”

Phuong’s character has won her the trust and respect of her colleagues. Do Hoang Minh Chien is one of them. Chien says: “Phuong is dedicated to her work. She communicates well with the patients so her advice is effective. I’ve learned sociability from her.”

Phuong is always ready to advise HIV carriers-even at midnight-because she knows that’s when they need her most. Phuong frequently attends training courses in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh city to update herself with new knowledge to better her work. She has received many certificates of merit awarded by the Provincial Health Department and People’s Committee and the “For the people’s health” Merit Medal presented by the Ministry of Health. Tran Thi Thuy Ha, Director of the Provincial HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center, said Phuong has good expertise and affection for HIV carriers: “Phuong has been working in this field for quite a long time. HIV carriers love her because she is close to them”.

Phuong is a good example to demonstrate that non-discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS will help them live positively and reduce the spread of HIV in the community.