On Jan. 1, a new law outlining a broad policy framework for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment goes into effect in Vietnam. The law strengthens the rights of HIV/AIDS patients, calls for AIDS education in the workplace and for HIV medicines to be included in health plans. It also provides for condom distribution, needle-exchange programs and methadone treatment.

Although Vietnam's HIV/AIDS epidemic is less severe than in neighboring Cambodia and Thailand, the UN estimates at least 280,000 of Vietnam's 84 million people have HIV. An estimated 14,000 AIDS-related deaths occurred in 2005, and the number of new cases is rising rapidly at 100 new infections per day, according to health authorities.

More infections are now caused by sexual transmission than by intravenous drug use. Experts say the epidemic is becoming generalized in Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong City and Quang Ninh province on the border with China.

To combat stigma and discrimination, the government instructed this year that HIV/AIDS should no longer be referred to as a "social evil," although drug use and sex work still are. Self-help groups have begun conducting prevention programs at rehabilitation centers for drug users and prostitutes. The government is considering further reforming the centers so people can come voluntarily for detoxification and rehabilitation.

Self-help groups are not legally recognized in Vietnam, and the country has no independent civil society. "For the new law to be really implemented it needs much greater involvement of people living with HIV and AIDS, civil society and a lot of monitoring," said Khuat Thi Hai Oanh of the Institute for Social Development Studies, a semi-autonomous research group.

Vietnam is the only Asian country receiving money under President Bush's $15 billion global AIDS initiative. The US Embassy said nearly $80 million has been dedicated to Vietnam so far for prevention, care and treatment.

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