It is estimated that there were 293,000 people living with HIV in Viet Nam in 2007. The national HIV prevalence among the general population is estimated at 0.53%. Cumulative reported data has indicated that there were 132,628 HIV infection cases, 26,828 AIDS cases and 15,007 deaths due to AIDS as of 31 August 2007. Out of all reported HIV infection cases, 78.9% are in the 20-39 age group and 85.2% were among men.

There are concerns that HIV infections among young people are on the rise as well as HIV transmission through heterosexual contact.

Viet Nam currently experiences a concentrated epidemic with at-risk populations including injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with (MSM). The national HIV prevalence rate among IDUs has been estimated at 28.6%, and at 4.4% for FSWs. In 2006, the HIV prevalence rate among MSM was 9.4% in Ha Noi and 5.3% in Ho Chi Minh City.

Studies show that IDUs have engaged in unprotected sex with different partners, including FSWs. Unprotected sex between IDUs and FSWs reached 55% in An Giang and 54.8% in Ho Chi Minh City. The rate of condom use between street FSWs and their clients was low at 37%, and condom use among MSM remains also low. There are concerns on the high rate of FSWs injecting drugs.

The Ministry of Health of Viet Nam has estimated that 72,970 people living with HIV will need to receive ARV treatment by 2010.