Recently, the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) had the honor of welcoming a delegation from Global Affairs Canada and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). This event aimed to exchange and share insights on efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Vietnam, with the participation of local healthcare partners, members of the Comprehensive Support for Ending Tuberculosis Network (CSET), and individuals affected by TB from Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Nghe An – regions where SCDI is implementing its projects.

During the meeting, delegates discussed the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Barriers such as geographical distance, language difficulties, social stigma, and economic burdens have made access to TB prevention and treatment services particularly challenging.

Photo: Overview of delegates at the meeting

For many years, SCDI has worked closely with the healthcare system to deliver TB prevention and treatment services to even the most remote areas. Notably, the CSET network has played a crucial role as a "bridge," facilitating early detection, connecting patients with the healthcare system, and supporting treatment adherence.

Sharing their insights during the meeting, delegates emphasized that community involvement is indispensable in the journey to end TB. This is not just a matter of providing sufficient medications and medical equipment but also about fostering connections and harnessing the power of communities.

The presence of international partners like Global Affairs Canada and FCDO serves as both a significant source of encouragement and a reaffirmation of the importance of placing people at the center of all public health interventions. Ending TB is not merely a medical goal; it is also a testament to the strength of solidarity, compassion, and community spirit.