List of individuals who participated in blood sampling and HIV testing results in Hải Phòng City. — Photo vtv.vn

HẢI PHÒNG — The Ministry of Health's HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Department has stated that the recent blood sampling of more than 400 students in Hải Phòng City by the "Black Rose" group for HIV testing is part of the activities under the national HIV/AIDS prevention and control project. 

This group has been operating since 2011, a representative from the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Department said. 

The agency also confirmed that the blood sampling was consistently carried out according to proper procedures, with no risk of infection.

Earlier, according to reports from many parents in Hải Sơn Ward, Đồ Sơn District, starting from August 18, the Black Rose group had collected blood samples from hundreds of school students in the locality without notifying families or schools. 

Each student who participated in the blood test received VNĐ100,000 (US$4.20). 

Đinh Thị Út, head of the group, said the group was established to provide information and consultation to prevent the spread of HIV among young drug users and address issues related to sexual and reproductive health for individuals aged 16 to 24.

Lưu Đình Dũng, chairman of the People's Committee of Hải Sơn Ward, told Vietnam Television that the local authorities did not receive any notification from the group about their plan to take blood samples for HIV screening in the locality. — VNS