"Many people in Vietnam still consider HIV/AIDS as a social evil, not a disease," Luong said when visiting Hanoi's Bach Mai hospital, the country's biggest medical center.

"We should improve the awareness of local leaders, people and society on the danger of this epidemic."

"Social evils" is the term used by the government to describe a wide group of illegal activities, including gambling, drug addiction and prostitution.

In the past, non government organizations and the United Nations have criticized Vietnam for stigmatising those with HIV/AIDS rather than helping them.

"The fight against HIV/AIDS must be considered our long term and key task," Luong said. "People living with HIV/AIDS should enjoy equal opportunities as ordinary citizens. We should not discriminate against them."

Luong was accompanied by the United Natkions Development Program representative in Vietnam, Jordan Ryan.

"The visit gives a strong and clear message to the nation and it demonstrates visible commitment of the Vietnamese leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS," Ryan said.

The health ministry estimates that more than 215,000 people have contracted HIV in Vietnam but only around 80,000 have been diagnosed with the virus. Independent experts say as many as 300,000 could be HIV-positive.

The communist nation has begun to liberalise its attitude towards sexual education and sexually transmitted diseases.

In July Vietnam unveiled its first ever condom-vending machine as part of a campaign to cut unwanted pregnancies and prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

In June US President George W. Bush decided to add Vietnam to the list of countries eligible for funding to help tackle its emerging HIV/AIDS crisis.

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