The annual event “Living life to the fullest 2022” calling for reducing stigma against people living with HIV was held in HCM City on Wednesday (November 30). — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Giang

HCM CITY — The annual event “Living life to the fullest 2022” calling for reducing stigma against people living with HIV was organised at the HCM City Youth Cultural House in HCM City on Wednesday (November 30).

In response to the National Action Month for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control from November 10 to December 10 and marking World AIDS Day (December 1), the event was held by the city’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Association and Việt Nam Youth Federation - HCM City.

Bùi Hữu Hồng Hải, deputy head of the Việt Nam Youth Federation - HCM City, said the event is one of the city’s activities to contribute to the implementation of the National Strategy for Ending AIDS by 2030.

It aims to increase learning about HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention among young people in the community, especially students.

“It calls for reducing discrimination against people living with HIV and people affected by HIV/AIDS,” he said.

It also helps strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities and early detection and treatment of HIV, provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and control services, and promote available HIV/AIDS services among high-risk groups.

Attending the event, UNAIDS country director in Việt Nam Maria Elena Filio Borromeo said this year’s global theme is “Equalise. Inequality is obstructing the end of AIDS".

“Let us take the opportunity on today’s World AIDS Day commemoration to commit to focus our collective actions to end all inequalities that are holding back the AIDS pandemic. For only if we end inequalities, can we truly celebrate and live our lives to the fullest," she said.

Tiêu Thị Thu Vân, president of the city’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Association, said many people living with HIV in the city have made significant progress in overcoming their own inferiority complex to become useful people for society.

“They bring their own knowledge and experiences to help and support those in the same situation. Therefore, they deserve to be received with more respect and care from the community,” she said.

A number of activities were held within the framework of the event. 

There were a workshop “Stigma against people living with HIV lives: still or not”, a programme “The southern community unite: challenges and opportunities”, a panel “Come together for greater understanding”, and a gala "You are not alone”. — VNS