Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: vu duc dam

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The world community supports Vietnam’s fight against HIV/AIDS — TalkVietnam

The Chairman of the National Steering Committee on HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and prostitution, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, has met Ambassadors and heads of international organizations who have sponsored Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS control efforts.

At an annual reception in Hanoi on Tuesday, the Deputy Prime Minister said he hoped for even more support for Vietnam: “Compulsory detoxification centers will comply with recommendations by international organizations for protecting patients’ rights. It’s important to help them reintegrate into the community after detoxification. I call for international support in financing and also in conducting constructive and humanitarian dialogues.”

International donors praised the government’s achievements in the fight against HIV/AIDS and drug abuse and pledged more support in helping Vietnam confront the challenge.

The world community supports Vietnam’s fight against HIV/AIDS — TalkVietnam

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.