French virologist and 2008 Nobel laureate Francoise Barre-Sinoussi yesterday called for students in HCM City to contribute more in society’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Meeting with students in the city, the French scientist remarked that Viet Nam has developed a lot in recent years, and its residents, including young people, have been enthusiastically contributing to the process.

However, co-operation between countries was key to prevent HIV/AIDS more effectively and a good network should be in place to ensure this, she said.

No vaccine has been developed for AIDS yet, with research still ongoing, she said, adding that it would take at least four to six years to put vaccine into operation.

She advised Vietnamese students to study hard and research scientific subjects of their interest including the HIV vaccine. The basic knowledge imparted by universities can help students win Nobel Prizes in the future, she said.

Barre-Sinoussi is in HCM City on a three-day visit during which she will meet with students, health officials and medical staff involved in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS, as well as officials of the Pasteur Institute.

According to the United Nations, 2.7 million people are infected with HIV each year, or more than 7,000 people a day. Approximately 95 percent of new HIV infections are found in low – and middle-income countries, with the vast majority of these continuing to occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News