The year 2024 has been filled with numerous activities and initiatives. As we step into the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from the past year—one full of challenges but also marked by the dedication, perseverance, and efforts of the SCDI team and our valued partners.

Strengthening community-based Tuberculosis prevention

Photo: A member of community-based organization in Hai Phong city assisting with sputum collection during an active TB screening session

Throughout 2024, SCDI continued collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB and Lung Hospitals, and local health centres in project areas to implement community-based TB screening activities. These efforts aimed to proactively identify individuals with active TB or latent TB infection, ensuring timely referrals and access to treatment.

The Community System to End TB (CSET) network has reinforced its critical role in bridging the gap for those at high risk of TB who face significant barriers to healthcare. Over time, CSET has proven to be an indispensable force—raising awareness, identifying and encouraging high-risk individuals to undergo screening, connecting patients with treatment services, and supporting adherence to treatment. Additionally, CSET plays a vital role in providing emotional support, counseling, and linking patients, especially those in vulnerable situations, to social assistance programs.

As we move forward, SCDI remains committed to empowering communities, strengthening TB prevention efforts, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against tuberculosis.

Breaking the Cycle - Supporting children from disadvantaged families to go to school

Photo: A session with children from the "Breaking the Cycle" project

With the belief that education is the sustainable path out of poverty, SCDI continues to support children from disadvantaged families in accessing education and maintaining their studies. With the community's help, extracurricular activities with valuable content, building strong relationships with families, and connecting children with volunteer tutors for additional lessons at home were carried out throughout 2024 as part of the Breaking the Cycle project.

Support after typhoon Yagi

Photo: Food assistance for families affected by Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi

After the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, SCDI and the "One Egg a Day" initiative quickly assisted families severely impacted by the storm, particularly those involved as community outreach workers with SCDI.

In addition to emergency relief activities such as food and safe shelter, SCDI and One Egg a Day implemented long-term recovery efforts, including house repairs, livelihood assistance, educational support for children, and connections to healthcare services to ensure patients' treatments were not interrupted. These efforts aimed to prevent the individuals and families that SCDI has supported from falling deeper into poverty due to the disaster's impact.

The community at the heart of SCDI's activities

Photos: Community team members supporting TB patients with treatment adherence at home

With a firm belief that each individual and community possesses immense potential—not only to overcome their own challenges but also to contribute to the broader development of society—SCDI continues to place communities at the centre of all activities in 2024. The community members most profoundly understand the needs and ongoing challenges. More than anyone else, they are the driving force behind implementing activities to address the issues within their communities.

All initiatives and activities begin by listening to and incorporating feedback, placing the community at the core of efforts. This is achieved through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities, empowering community members to continuously improve and take on crucial roles that bring about positive change within their communities.

Building a sustainable future, starting with the smallest actions

Photo: Towards a sustainable future, beginning with the most minor practices

With a vision for a sustainable future where humanity lives in harmony with nature, SCDI starts by making small changes, encouraging sustainable practices within the community and the centre’s office.

In 2024, SCDI members actively practised waste sorting, choosing low-emission transportation such as bicycles and public transport while also replacing single-use items with reusable alternatives like fabric bags, straws, and personal water bottles.

The weekly Environmental News brings fresh and updated information on environmental issues while providing practical actions in daily life to protect our planet collectively. By staying informed and making conscious choices in our daily habits, we can create change together, moving toward a sustainable future.

In 2025, SCDI will continue to share news, activities, and stories of the journey we, along with the communities we work with, are steadfastly pursuing. We hope to gain everyone's support and engagement to help spread these positive values.

The year 2024 has passed, leaving unforgettable memories and valuable lessons. Thank you to everyone who has accompanied SCDI on this journey of leaving no one behind. Together, let’s look forward to a joyful and hopeful 2025!