Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy*, Truong Xuan Lien*, Vo Tuyet Nhung*,
Tran Kim Phuong*, Ha Ba Khiem*
* Pasteur Institute in HoChiMinh city
Based on the sentinel system established in the context of
the national surveillance program, in 1995, a further study was developed to
evaluate epidemiological trends of HIV infection and to contribute to
orientating policies on HIV/AIDS prevention in the Southern Vietnam.
HIV infection was examined from sentinel groups: intravenous drug users (IDUs),
sex workers, sexually transmitted disease patients, tuberculous patients and
pregnant women. Findings showed that HIV infection developed with two main
current epidemics in this region: epidemic among IDUs which was mainly observed
in HCM city (prevalence 42.3% in 1995) and surrounding provinces; and that
spread by heterosexual route which was predominant in provinces of the Mekong
delta, particularly in the area adjacent to Cambodia as in AnGiang province
(prevalence 4.8%). Heterosexual transmission was increasing in the two epidemic
areas. Seroprevalence among general population represented by pregnant women
sentinel group was still low (prevalence 0.09% in HoChiMinh city and 0.37% in
AnGiang province). Two patterns of epidemic would be taken in account in
targeting prevention strategies. Strict surveillance in low-risk groups and
studies on risk factors of HIV infection among high-risk groups also need to be
developed.