Australia and the Netherlands Governments will support crucial HIV prevention programs in three provinces of Vietnam under the HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program (HAARP).

Through HAARP, Australian and the Netherlands will provide AUD 10 million over 4 years to help strengthen the AIDS response. HAARP will support Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC); Ministry of labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA); and Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Support for non-governmental and local civil society groups will be provided through an innovation fund facility.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Allaster Cox, participated in the provincial launch and roll out of the program in Tuyen Quang and Bac Kan during 5 and 6 July, 2010. Ambassador Cox highlighted the link between poverty and AIDS and noted that good AIDS response is critical for meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Vietnam. He also observed that harm reduction is an area where common beliefs have proven to be incorrect. Providing sterile needles and syringes and condoms do not encourage use of drugs or risky sexual behaviour. But these strategies prevent HIV transmission.

During the launch, the delegation met with representatives of the provincial People’s Committees, visited organisations and groups representing people living with HIV as well as government departments (DOH, DOLISA, and DPS). AusAID, members of the HAARP Central Project Management Unit (CPMU) and HAARP Program Director participated in the mission.

For more information visit www.haarp-online.org or to schedule an interview contact

Anindya Chatterjee
HAARP Program Director,
Tel: +66 81 802 2453 or
Email anindya.chatterjee@haarp-online.org

Embassy contact:

Ms Duong Hong Van
Senior Program Manager
Tel: + 84 4 3 831 7755 Ext: 169 or
Email: Hong-Van.Duong@dfat.gov.au