The real situation of HIV/AIDS counselling services in Hanoi and recommendations

A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted in order to identify the need and the use of HIV/AIDS counselling services and real situation at the counselling facilities in Hanoi. data was obtained using a self- administered questionaire to 8 groups of people with risk behaviours related to HIV/AIDS. These groupd also took part in group discussions. Structured in-deep interviews with counsellors and observation at counselling facilities were also conducted. The need for using HIV/AIDS counselling services was low (45.7%). Only 41.6% of persons who have need for counselling had use service. People living with HIV/AIDS and their families were the two main groups using these services. The reason for low utilisation was user’s poor perception of HIV/AIDS infection risks. Problems from the providers also con tributed to the services: inappropriate organisation and investment. The main fidings suggest that increase of the risk perception of HIV/AIDS of individual and community serveices, it should be reorganised. At the same time, the counselling activities should be socialised, and considered as the key task of the whole society and community, not only that of the health sector.

Moleculo-epidemiology of C hepatitis virus in artificial kidney dialysis patients, nemerous transfusion

On 332 blood sample of patients who underwent dialysis with many times of blood transfusion at the Institute of Hematology and blood transfusion, HCV infection was evaluated. Results showed the infection of C hepatits virus of 1a, 1b, 6, 6a genotypes. The infection was associated with the quality of transfused blood. Patients gender age occupation education level, the place where the procedure carried out, marital status, religion, ethnic group, the history of drug use… were not related factors.

Some remarks on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hanoi from 23 February to 23 March 2003

By monitoring the clinical and epidemiological development and prevention of SARS outbreak, the author initially informed some remarks: 1 month after outbreak, SARS just occurred in individuals who were close related with the initial sources of infection from hospitals. Not detect outbreak in community