The number of new HIV/AIDS cases in Laos has steadily climbed partly due to a shortage of financial support from foreign countries and limited budget from the government.
Communication campaigns carried out to raise the Lao communities' awareness of HIV and AIDS. (Photo: WHO)
Vientiane (VNA) – The number of new HIV/AIDS cases in Laos has steadilyclimbed partly due to a shortage of financial support from foreign countries andlimited budget from the government.
A report from the Centre for HIV/AIDS/STI under the Lao Ministry of Health showedthat the country documented 2,066 HIV cases in 2023, increasing the total infectionsto 20,688, with 7,059 progressing to AIDS.
More than 5,600 people died from the virus, and 11,980 have been treated withantiretroviral medicines.
Minister of Health BounfengPhoummalaysith said global instability has affected countries’ budget, includingLaos, adding the lack of financial support from outside has made it hard forthe ministry to carry out HIV/AIDS prevention plans./.
The ongoing National Action Month for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control 2023 is themed “Creative community - Determination to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030”, which stresses the need for the entire community’s engagement in the work.
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Communication campaigns carried out to raise the Lao communities' awareness of HIV and AIDS. (Photo: WHO) 
