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Vietnam
At the invitation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-Vietnam, PMC is providing assistance to The Voice of Vietnam Radio (VOV) to create a serial drama project to promote reproductive health and avoidance of HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.
Khat Vong Song (“The Desire of Life”) addresses issues relating to reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, including improving the status of women, delaying the age of marriage, and equality valuing male and female children. Khat Vong Song is being broadcast nationwide on three of Voice of Vietnam’s (VOV) radio stations, in addition to being streamed online. There is also an interactive website where listeners can find out more information about the issues raised in the program, post their comments and reactions to the program, learn more about the characters, and download episodes. The program debuted in March 2008 and consists of 104 episodes and is being broadcast to listeners in all 64 provinces and cities.
According to the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) and the Ministry of Health, by March 31st 2007, there were 122,487 known cases of HIV infection of which 22,566 cases had become full-blown AIDS. Furthermore, there were 13,157 reported AIDS related deaths. It is estimated that the real numbers could be three times higher. As many as 10,000 people are infected with HIV annually.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has spread to 64 cities/provinces and 94% of districts and villages in the country. Young people ages 20-39 account for 79% of HIV infections. In addition, as of 2007, only 66% of married women were using a modern method of birth control.
Listeners of Khat Vong Song have written numerous letters expressing their excitement about the drama and the close connection they feel with the characters.
A female listener named Dien from Dong Van Province wrote:
I listen to the broadcast of “The Desire of Life” and feel that it is a great show that brings me happiness. It also sets a good example for children.
Click here to read more listener letters.
