Role of the Viet Nam Youth Union

• Viet Nam Youth Union is a mass organization uniting youth in the country. It has millions of members, and has branches in all communes and districts. At the local level, Youth Union members and leaders are active in a wide range of development activities.
• The VYU has the ability to reach young people at all levels of Vietnamese society, including those with high-risk behaviors and/or living with HIV/AIDS.
• The Central Committee of the Youth Union has passed resolutions and developed policies for HIV prevention. Youth Unions in a number of provinces have set up Steering Committees on HIV/AIDS Prevention and collaborate with other sectors on activities.
• The National Movement to engage youth volunteers and young people in "Preventing AIDS, Drug Use and Prostitution" was launched throughout the country in 2003.
• In HIV/AIDS activities, building awareness, education and communication activities are the first priority of the VYU. A variety of methods are used, including: dialogues; youth forums; panel discussions; and various competitions including art, education and communication activities.
• The Youth Union works together with the police, military, Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Vietnam Women’s Union, Vietnam Veterans Association, and education sector in promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting youth.