order to limit the spread of HIV in the country.

In Viet Nam, an estimated 53.7% of people in need of antiretroviral treatment were receiving it in 2009. However, many mothers and children lack prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and tuberculosis (TB) and HIV burden is still high. Due to the epidemic concentrated among high-risk groups, increased and improved harm reduction services, methadone substitution therapy and sustained HIV treatment will be required in order to limit the spread of HIV in the country.

"Viet Nam's success in increasing antiretroviral treatment 16-times over the past five years is outstanding," said Dr Hirnschall. "We look forward to work with Viet Nam to implement WHO guidelines, including the new advice we are issuing today on vital TB prevention needed for people living with HIV. TB is the biggest killer for people living with HIV globally and we hope our new policy will help saving many more lives."

Noting current flat-lining of global funding on AIDS, the UN officials underlined how countries such as Viet Nam will increasingly be required to build sufficient resource bases to commit higher levels of funds domestically to AIDS. "Gains in the AIDS response are fragile—so our commitment to the response must remain strong. Domestic funding for the HIV response is a wise investment for the future well-being of Viet Nam, and must be a shared responsibility," said Mr Kraus.

"By working with the Government, and civil society and community organizations of the people living with HIV, we are committed to supporting Viet Nam in the development of its response over the coming decade," Dr Hirnschall said.