General Information
Donor(s): The Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS
Period: 2021 - 2026
Location: Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, Nghe An
Implementer: Coastal Region Office
The GF-HIV project aims to strengthen and enhance the effective participation of social organizations and community-based organizations (CBOs) in reducing new infections and providing comprehensive healthcare services to key populations including people who inject drugs, female sex workers, Men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender women. This contributes to the National Strategy to End AIDS by 2030. In 2021, COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Vietnam posed significant challenges, affecting efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
SCDI implemented both the traditional and CHEER models (Community-based HIV Epidemiology Evaluation and Response) to assess the epidemiological situation among target groups, thereby identifying intervention scenarios based on the survey results. The primary prevention service packages provided by the project included:
- Providing access, communication, and counselling on HIV and HIV prevention measures, post-exposure management, sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Drug harm reduction; Sharing knowledge about Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), thereby raising awareness to prevent and reduce risk for clients;
- Providing harm reduction commodities, including syringes, distilled water, condoms, and lubricants and guiding clients on the proper use of these items;
- Referring clients to essential services: HIV screening tests, ARV treatment, referrals for STIs examination and treatment, methadone treatment, Tuberculosis screening and treatment, mental health intervention support, etc.
Project clients were also connected to other healthcare services based on their needs, health insurance cards, and food packages during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, CBOs involved in implementing the project’s interventions also received capacity building through workshops and training sessions, which enabled them to master and leverage their knowledge, skills, and roles. Furthermore, the project organized activities to promote close collaboration with local partners to improve access to healthcare services for clients in the most convenient manner.
A key highlight in 2024 was the HPV and cervical cancer prevention activities aimed at improving the overall health of women living with HIV. The project collaborates with local health authorities to inform the women living with HIV, also the medical staff and CBO members about HPV transmission, cervical cancer risks, and the importance of early screening and treatment.
2023 Key results
By the end of 2023, the GF HIV project had reached 13,160 clients, each of whom received at least one key HIV prevention service. The project referred 11,063 clients for HIV testing and identified 129 individuals with HIV-positive status, all of whom were supported in accessing treatment.
2024 Key results
During the four-month implementation period from August to December 2024, the project achieved several notable outcomes: 10,639 clients accessed at least one HIV prevention service (73.9% of the annual target), with 10,607 people receiving the full package of HIV prevention services and 8,652 undergoing HIV testing. 240 people living with HIV were supported and referred for ARV treatment.
The project also facilitated access to various health services, including ARV referrals (238 cases), PrEP (781), Methadone treatment (316), STIs screening and treatment (1,884), mental health services (183), hepatitis B and C care (672), and tuberculosis care (407). Furthermore, 20 clients received adherence support for ARV, and 51 were assisted in enrolling in health insurance.
With the HPV and cervical cancer prevention interventions, the project reached 933 women living with HIV with communication efforts, and 86 of them received financial support for HPV and cervical cancer screening. All positive cases were provided with medical counseling and enrolled in routine monitoring to ensure timely treatment.
Focal Person
(Ms.) Nguyen Thi Ha - Coastal Region Manager
