A seminar took place in Hanoi on December 11 to collect feedback on a report on HIV-infected women’s access to the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP)’s loans.

At a VBSP branch in Thai Nguyen province, northern Vietnam

Speaking at the event, Country Representative of the UN Women in Vietnam Elisa Feznandes said the event aims to seek measures to improve HIV-infected women’s access to loans and legal assistance, as well as their livelihoods.

She added that households affected by HIV easily fall into poverty due to higher antiretroviral (ARV) cost, thereby affecting their access to education and other opportunities.

According to her, HIV-infected women not only need ARV drug and medical services but also social support and livelihood guarantee.

Deputy Director of the VBSP’s Credit Department for students and other social beneficiaries said the loan programme for HIV patients and their families is piloted in 15 cities and provinces during 2016-2020. The bank has so far offered loans worth VND14 billion (US$605,000) to them.

However, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs reported that only 84 HIV patients and families received loans, or 16.7% of eligible ones in accordance with the Prime Minister’s Decision No.29/2014/QD-TTg.

Participants suggested enhancing authorities’ attention to HIV prevention and control, supporting livelihoods for HIV patients, and improving the role of socio-political organisations in helping borrowers use loans effectively.