Hidden in a labyrinthine network of roads and alleys, in the heart of a humble inner-city suburb, the House of Hope 'Espoir Mai Tam welcomes abandoned and struggling children. mothers infected with HIV/AIDS. From the outside, the House of Hope was no different from other tall and narrow houses in Ho Chi Minh City, except for the two distinctive red ribbons at its entrance. During my first visit, Father John introduced us to the children: they were some of the most energetic children I had ever met, but, at the same time, some of the most vulnerable in the world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Visiting the house changed my life because it made me understand the seriousness of the situation, especially how even children are discriminated against. It was heartbreaking to meet children who didn't know much about what it means to be a child and what it means to lead a normal life. In Mai Tam, Father John introduced me to Đạt: an enthusiastic, joyful and full of life young boy. Watching him play, I would never have guessed that after seeing his loud laugh and beaming smile that he had been abandoned as a baby and continues to be isolated in his own community. Like the 6,800 other Vietnamese children living with HIV/AIDS, Đạt faces medical, social and emotional challenges every day. Imagine yourself, as a child, feared and rejected by all the kids at school, even if you haven't yet. something bad. Imagine yourself, as a child, walking to the park where strangers start waving their arms at you fiercely, telling you to leave and take the virus with you. Imagine yourself, as a child, demonized and portrayed as a social deviant by your own government, and kicked out of your own home because of something you had no power over. The misconception that infection can be spread through casual contact persists, leading Vietnamese to take unnecessary and stigmatizing measures. For these children, the illness is more than just an infection, but rather a constant reminder of discrimination, hardship and loss. they have endured since birth. When Mai Tam opened in 2005, HIV was a death sentence. Treatment was limited, particularly in developing countries, and stigma prevented vulnerable people from seeking help. But, in the years I have worked with Mai Tam, I have witnessed the progress made in helping Vietnamese children suffering from physical and mental complications due to HIV – all thanks to Father John and his team . Progress has been made in preventing transmission. ; availability of testing has increased; Access to treatment is greater than ever in Vietnam. When the HIV epidemic reached its peak in the early 2000s, no one would have thought that in just ten years, people with HIV would be able to live healthy, fulfilling lives. However, as people living with HIV live longer, we no longer view this situation as urgent as it once was. We risk becoming complacent and, as a result, seeing funding and commitment to help beat this epidemic dwindle. But what makes Mai Tam exceptional? Mai Tam is love in action. Since its inception, the Mai Tam team has done nothing but show love to those who are deprived of compassion in their own homes. As the only facility of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City, they strive to empower children and mothers?