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Abstract
The laws in Vietnam provide a framework within which one may judge the nature and type of health care-related discrimination to which people living with HIV (PLWHA) are subject. Despite the existence of stringent legislation protecting the rights of PLWHA, this study found that, in practice, PLWHA experienced significant structural discrimination in their daily lives. The discrimination experienced by PLWHA was exacerbated by the fact that, historically, HIV is associated with high-risk, marginalized groups such as drug users and sex workers. In the health care sector, discriminatory practices (for instance, refusal to treat), differential treatment and non-confidentiality were frequent. For the development of successful prevention and treatment strategies, a mutually desirable and equitable balance must be achieved between individual rights and needs and individual obligations to the broader society.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation to Deakin University (Grant No. 1010-1173). For their help and assistance, we would like to thank Ms Kit Yee Chan (Deakin University), Dr Lisa Messersmith (Ford Foundation), Professor Chung A (National AIDS Standing Bureau) and Bill Bainbridge (consultant editor). This research was supported by a Technical Advisory Board, investigators, key informants and direct witnesses, friends-help-friends groups and PLWHA families. Many government officials also provided support and assistance. We would also like to thank the anonymous reviewer for some very helpful suggestions. Dr Joe Thomas was a principal investigator of the project from May 2001 to March 2003.
Notes
1. As much as possible, the translation of policy and legislation aimed to convey the sense and intent of the original, and may not represent a strict legal translation.