Understanding, empathy and clearer perspectives on HIV from talk show “When the red ribbon turns into morning sunshine”

To build a healthy future and embrace self-love, many people choose to rise above the fear of judgment associated with HIV, driven by a desire to overcome stigma and transform themselves.

That is one of the key insights shared by participants and guests at the live television talk show “When the red ribbon turns into morning sunshine,” organized by Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio & Television on the afternoon of November 14.

Guests share their personal stories during the program. Photo: Huy Anh

Overcoming prejudice and taking charge of self-protection

A highlight of the program was the sharing by representatives of the community of people living with HIV. Their stories of overcoming shame, finding employment, and reintegrating into society deeply moved many attendees.

Mai Huy, one of the program’s featured speakers, shared his journey and how he coped with HIV: “Twenty years ago, when I learned I was HIV-positive, it felt as if my life was over. However, I was fortunate to have my mother. She gave up her work abroad to care for me. Whenever I felt hopeless, I had her support and the medical care of doctors. I was also fortunate to meet Mai Nhu Son, Director of Xuan Hop Social Enterprise, who provided me with valuable knowledge, motivation, and opportunities to work as an outreach volunteer, helping people in similar situations. This work allowed me to feel useful and gave me the motivation to keep living to this day.”

Dr. Vu Thi Ngoc, Specialist I and Head of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department at the Dong Nai Center for Disease Control, speaks at the program. Photo: Huy Anh

The sharing session by Nguyen Phi Gia Bao (19), a representative of the MSM (men who have sex with men) community, strongly resonated with the audience as he discussed his motivation for using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral medication) to maintain a healthy future and practice self-love, rather than live in fear of judgment.

Gia Bao shared: “Through this program, I had the opportunity to share the knowledge and experiences I have accumulated over time, from personal experiences to actively protecting my own health, particularly how to use PrEP correctly and effectively. I hope that through my story, people, especially Gen Z, will understand that taking proactive steps to protect oneself is not only essential but also completely worthwhile.”

According to Nguyen Thi Minh Nham, a member of the Provincial Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of the Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio & Television (DNNRTV), DNNRTV connects experts, policymakers, and the community to seek more effective solutions for HIV prevention communication.

“The ‘red ribbon’ symbolizes the fight against HIV/AIDS, while the 'morning sunshine’ represents hope. We want to convey the message that people living with HIV can lead healthy lives and look forward to a bright future, supported by modern scientific advancements and the understanding and solidarity of society as a whole.”

She added that the forum is part of Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio & Television’s communication mission, leveraging the power of its multimedia platform to demonstrate social responsibility while promoting effective models, inspiring stories, and the tireless efforts of the health sector, social organizations, and the public in the journey toward ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

To Gia Bao, the program was profoundly meaningful, not only expanding his knowledge through the professional insights shared by doctors but also allowing him to share his understanding with a broader audience, helping others develop a more accurate and positive view of sexual health protection.

“Looking back, I have faced significant pressure and prejudice. Many people have asked, ‘Why use PrEP if you’re not at risk?’ and sometimes misunderstand that my use implies I am already exposed. But that is their perception, not mine. I choose to rise above these prejudices because I understand that taking proactive steps to protect myself is what truly matters,” Gia Bao shared.

Open dialogue to confront challenges and barriers

Speaking at the program, Dr. Doan Quoc Duy, Specialist I and Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Dong Nai General Hospital, noted: “The primary difficulty in HIV treatment is the stigma from family, society, and, most importantly, the internalized stigma experienced by people living with HIV themselves. This challenge creates significant barriers in the treatment process for patients.”

The program attracts the attention of a large number of students from universities, colleges, and high schools across Dong Nai. Photo: Huy Anh

However, thanks to advances in medical science and treatment adherence, HIV is no longer as frightening as it once was. Equally important in the treatment process is the patient’s mental well-being, particularly the support and encouragement from family, which can help patients achieve the K=K (U=U) outcome (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

According to Dr. Vu Thi Ngoc, Specialist I and Head of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department at the Dong Nai Center for Disease Control, HIV/AIDS is not only a medical issue but also a complex social problem, intertwined with stigma, discrimination, lack of awareness, and limited access to equitable healthcare and support services. Financial and geographical barriers further restrict access to services for high-risk groups.

“In Dong Nai, the province has implemented multiple pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs, at times providing treatment for over 3,500 individuals, 90% of whom are men who have sex with men (MSM),” Dr. Ngoc said.

Raising awareness and responsibility among youth in the “fight” against HIV/AIDS

Delegates share their insights during the talk show. Photo: Huy Anh

The 2025 National Action Month for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control has been themed “Unity is strength – Joining hands to end the AIDS epidemic” by the Ministry of Health, aiming to mobilize the entire society in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, with the ultimate goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Ending the AIDS epidemic does not mean eliminating HIV infections or AIDS-related deaths, but rather ensuring that AIDS no longer poses a significant public health concern.

At the talk show themed “When the red ribbon turns into morning sunshine,” organized by the Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio & Television, a large number of university, college, and high school students across Dong Nai were deeply moved as they listened to stories of individuals overcoming stigma, regaining employment, and reintegrating into society.

Young participants pose questions at the talk show. Photo: Huy Anh

Duong Quoc Dat, a student at Dong Nai Medical College, shared that the discussion and exchange programs organized by Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio & Television, featuring individuals who have overcome shame, found employment, and reintegrated into society, have brought meaningful value to students.

According to Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, Luu Van Dung, the health sector is working to maintain its achievements and aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Through discussions with specialist doctors, health officials, managers, and people living with HIV participating in the talk show, stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive individuals can be decreased. When real stories are shared with genuine emotion, audiences gain a better understanding of the journey to overcome stigma, efforts to reintegrate, and the positive life goals of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Dong Nai’s health sector is actively exploring solutions to sustain these achievements and will advise the Provincial People’s Committee on measures to ensure patients do not experience interruptions in treatment, supported by health insurance funds and part of the provincial budget.

Real stories and genuine experiences help me bridge the invisible gap between ‘people living with HIV’ and the broader community. Young people slowly learn that behind every HIV-positive individual is a person who has faced loss and hardship, yet still holds onto the hope to change and overcome obstacles. This process helps students develop a healthy attitude, free from stigma and discrimination, while also fostering appreciation for sharing and empathy,” Dat shared.

Beyond emotional impact, many students have also been inspired to develop a sense of responsibility toward themselves and society. Through the program, students gain a deeper understanding of HIV prevention measures, the importance of early testing, timely treatment, and the benefits of health insurance. This knowledge encourages them to lead healthy lives, take proactive steps to protect themselves, and confidently share accurate information with those around them.

Nguyen Ngoc Vy, a student at Le Hong Phong High School, stated that the program helps cultivate compassion and a sense of community among young people. These values are crucial for building a civilized and progressive society. When students are inspired in a positive way, they become “junior ambassadors,” spreading the message that “people living with HIV also have the right to live, to be loved, and to be treated fairly.”

A large number of students from universities, colleges, and high schools in Dong Nai participate in the program. Photo: Huy Anh

By Hong Cuc, Hai Thanh – Translated by Hong Van, Minho