Vietnam aims to keep the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections below 0.3 percent, while reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS on socio-economic development. 

Under a project to prevent HIV/AIDS in 2018-2020 approved by the Prime Minister, the provision of essential service packages of intervention and new test services will be expanded in 32 provinces and cities nationwide. 

Test services for HIV will be provided in district-level health stations, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. 

CD4 blood tests for newly-detected HIV cases will be implemented and viral load tests will be routinely performed. 

Pregnant women living in districts reported to be HIV hotbeds in 32 provinces and cities will be tested for HIV. All those who are confirmed HIV positive will be given long-term anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. 

HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) will be launched, aiming to provide data for building HIV prevention plans and monitoring the impact of interventions.

Health insurance coverage for HIV carriers, and communication campaigns to raise public awareness of the importance of early treatment of HIV will also be promoted.

Funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the project will benefit Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Can Tho, Thai Nguyen, Dien Bien, Son La, Quang Ninh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Khanh Hoa, An Giang, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Long An, Tay Ninh, Soc Trang, Ca Mau and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.-VNA