SCDI News in March 2025

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SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of March 2025.

Project review and coordination meeting in Quang Ninh

On March 3, SCDI and Quang Ninh CDC held a wrap-up meeting to evaluate 2024's project activities focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and harm reduction. Representatives from Quang Ninh CDC, Quang Ninh Mental Health Hospital, and SCDI staff attended the meeting.

In 2024, Quang Ninh CDC’s key achievements include successful screening for 83,652 samples, detecting 218 HIV-positive cases, and advancing digital transformation with INFO 4.0 HIV management software across 160/171 communities. The province’s harm reduction programs reached seven high-risk areas, treated 2,600 patients with Methadone, and increased PrEP treatment cases to 215. They also distributed 91,220 clean syringes and 107,400 condoms, while communications outreach efforts reached 1.3 million people.

The Global Fund's HIV/AIDS project, facilitated by SCDI, provided preventive services to over 1,500 clients, tested 1,238 people for HIV, and ensured ARV treatment for six newly detected cases. Other support included PrEP registration, STI treatment, cervical cancer screening for HIV-positive women, and initiating Methadone for new patients. Mental health services were also highlighted, with 3,598 community patients receiving support for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.

Photo: Project review and coordination meeting in Quang Ninh

Challenges persist, including limited access to high-risk groups and ARV medication shortages. Coordination between community and medical facilities also needs improvement for better service integration.

The meeting set the stage for enhanced collaboration in 2025, aiming for more impactful HIV prevention, mental health improvements, and support for vulnerable groups.

Needs assessment and evaluation for children in the "Breaking the Cycle" project

The "Breaking the Cycle" project team in Ho Chi Minh City held a session to evaluate and assess the needs of students in the program. Middle and high school participants reviewed 2024 activities and shared ideas for 2025 discussion topics.

Key themes for 2025 activities were finalized, focusing on practical and relevant topics for the youth:

Career orientation: Assessing personal skills and setting career goals.
Financial literacy: Learning smart money management, including budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.
Sex education: Understanding body awareness, emotions, sexual abuse prevention, and human trafficking.
Life skills: Safe social media use, communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Adolescent development: Exploring physical and psychological changes, teenage needs, and common mental health issues.

Photo: Children in the project take turn to write down the activities that they want to do

The content was tailored based on observations, evaluations during home visits, and feedback from parents and children. Current social issues were also considered, ensuring topics aligned with the children’s needs.

This session served as a collaborative reflection point for the children and project team, shaping meaningful and practical activities for the coming year.

Coordinating public health efforts in Ninh Binh: 2024 review and 2025 plans

On March 14, 2025, SCDI and the Ninh Binh CDC organized a coordination meeting to review 2024’s projects and plan for 2025. The event saw the participation of 34 representatives from various organizations, including local health authorities, law enforcement, and community outreach teams.

In 2024, the Global Fund's HIV/AIDS project achieved significant milestones. SCDI supported 1,445 clients, connecting 1,165 individuals to HIV testing and ensuring timely ARV treatment for 3 positive cases. Additionally, 55 clients were assisted to initiate to Methadone treatment, 142 to PrEP services, and 509 others to mental health care, hepatitis C testing, or STI treatment. The project also screened 28 HIV-positive women for cervical cancer and HPV, while conducting 42 group sessions on HIV prevention and 14 awareness events focused on women’s health.

The "Building Up - Implement community-based comprehensive HIV and mental health interventions for people who use stimulant drugs in Vietnam" project also delivered impressive results. HIV screening was provided to 98 high-risk clients, while harm reduction counseling benefited 508 individuals, who also received educational materials. Furthermore, 33 awareness sessions reached 495 clients, addressing HIV prevention, drug harm reduction, and mental health care. The project connected 113 clients with mental health concerns to specialized care, supporting 30% of them with treatment costs related to methamphetamine-related issues. Emergency Methadone treatment aid was provided for storm-affected clients, and new treatments were initiated for nine disadvantaged individuals.

Photo: Overview of the meeting

During Tet 2025, the team distributed 50 gift packages to vulnerable clients. The meeting also tackled challenges, emphasizing the need for technical guidance, proper coordination of resources, and enhanced community outreach efforts. SCDI called for continued support from local authorities to sustain and expand these vital initiatives.

The event highlighted the spirit of collaboration among stakeholders and laid the groundwork for further advancements in public health and HIV prevention in Ninh Binh for 2025.

Sharing updates on health insurance for members of the Community Network to End TB

In March 2025, the Health and Social Protection and Community Support organized a series of online health insurance sessions. These sessions targeted members of the Community System to End TB (CSET) across Vietnam, aiming to provide updated information on health insurance policies and address challenges faced by CSET members and SCDI staff while supporting the community.

The sessions featured Dr. Phan Van Toan, former Deputy Director of the Health Insurance Department at the Ministry of Health. With his extensive expertise and relatable communication style, Dr. Toan shared the latest updates on health insurance policies and effectively resolved participants' queries and concerns.

Photo: Dr. Toan sharing about the latest updates on health insurance

This initiative is part of SCDI’s efforts to support vulnerable communities and advance the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal. Beyond enhancing knowledge, the sessions fostered stronger connections and experience-sharing among community groups, laying a solid foundation for more effective future activities.

SCDI joins the Asia-Pacific & Africa Coalition-Building Meeting for Climate Justice and Health

On March 10-11, Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Executive Director of SCDI, participated in the Asia-Pacific and Africa Regional Alliance for Climate Justice and Health Conference in Bangkok. The event was organized by APCASO and brought together representatives from organizations like KHANA Cambodia, ACHIEVE Inc., the Mongolian Anti-Tuberculosis Alliance, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, and Speak Up Africa.

The conference focused on shared achievements and the benefits of cross-regional collaboration in addressing climate and health challenges. A key discussion point was integrating climate perspectives into health programs, particularly as climate change exacerbates global health risks and deepens inequalities.

Photo: Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh speaks at the meeting

Participants also addressed the consequences of sudden funding cuts, which have disrupted or halted many global HIV programs, leaving vulnerable communities to face mounting difficulties. The urgent need for a robust interregional alliance was emphasized to ensure timely and effective community support.

The conference paved the way for stronger connections between regions and the development of innovative, sustainable solutions for global climate and health challenges.

Strengthening health collaboration in Hai Phong

On March 20, 2025, a French Embassy delegation met with SCDI in Hai Phong to explore community-based health initiatives. Presentations by experts highlighted findings from the DRIVE study, which shed light on critical health issues faced by people who inject drugs (PWID), such as hepatitis C, mental health challenges, and tuberculosis.

Discussions focused on evolving the DRIVE model into the CHEER framework under the VUSTA Global Fund project, aiming to enhance support for vulnerable groups like PWID and MSM/TG populations. The delegation also visited Hai Dang, a community-based organization, to observe counseling sessions from the "Building Up - Implement community-based comprehensive HIV and mental health interventions for people who use stimulant drugs in Vietnam" project, which helps people adopt healthier CSETlifestyles and access essential services.

Photo: French Embassy delegates visiting Hai Dang

SCDI showcased its upcoming 2025 projects, emphasizing the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in supporting marginalized groups. The French delegation praised SCDI's impact and the value of French-funded projects, reinforcing a partnership for sustainable health solutions in Hai Phong.

SCDI co-organized World TB Day 2025 celebrations in Đắk Lắk, Hải Phòng, and Gia Lai

In March 2025, SCDI joined forces with local healthcare providers to celebrate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day through various impactful activities across Đắk Lắk, Hải Phòng, and Gia Lai, emphasizing community involvement and innovative approaches to TB prevention and treatment.

Đắk Lắk: Reflecting and advancing TB control

On March 21, SCDI collaborated with Đắk Lắk Provincial Lung Hospital to host a meeting to review 2024's achievements in TB control and set the course for 2025. Notably, in 2024, SCDI supported 67 TB patients with treatment adherence, provided financial assistance to ease the burden for 13 patients, and organized 44 community education sessions to raise awareness about TB. Additionally, capacity-building workshops for local support networks strengthened their ability to assist patients effectively.

Photo: Meeting in Dak Lak in celebration of 2025 World TB Day

Hải Phòng: Strengthening local partnerships

In Hải Phòng, SCDI partnered with the Hai Phong Lung Hospital for a conference and rally on March 22. The event highlighted 2024's success in identifying and treating TB cases while addressing persistent challenges, such as managing drug-resistant TB and detecting pediatric TB. SCDI contributed by fostering community-based interventions and empowering local organizations to enhance their roles in TB prevention and patient support.

Photo: Conference in Hai Phong in celebration of 2025 World TB Day

Gia Lai: Engaging communities through creative outreach

Gia Lai's celebrations culminated on March 24 with a rally and innovative outreach activities organized by SCDI and the Krông Pa Health Center. Highlights included a TB knowledge competition, involving patients, healthcare workers, and volunteers, and a vibrant media initiative led by the Community System to End TB (CSET). Educational workshops, financial support for 18 patients, and distribution of TB prevention materials further underscored SCDI’s commitment to community-driven health solutions.

Read more about the event here: Diverse activities celebrating World Tuberculosis Day 2025 in Gia Lai

Photo: Meeting in Gia Lai in celebration of 2025 World TB Day

Photo: A team competing in the TB knowledge competition

Photo: A booth displaying photos leaflets about CSET and their activities

These events showcased SCDI’s dedication to leveraging local partnerships and community networks to combat TB, reduce stigma, and ensure access to essential healthcare services, aligning with the global mission to end TB.

Children from "Breaking the Cycle" visit KOTO vocational training center

21 children from the "Breaking the Cycle" project in Hanoi visited KOTO Vocational Training Center. With support from project volunteers and Hyundai Jump School tutors, the kids explored KOTO’s facilities, including classrooms, kitchens, and dormitories.

KOTO staff introduced them to the center’s admission process, learning environment, and career opportunities. A highlight of the visit was a hands-on latte-making session led by KOTO trainees, who also shared inspiring personal stories. The kids left feeling motivated, with some already planning to join KOTO when eligible.

Photo: A girl learning how to make latte during the trip

The visit provided valuable insights into vocational training, encouraging the children to strive for a brighter future. SCDI extends gratitude to KOTO and all volunteers for making this impactful experience possible.

SCDI holds annual project review in Hai Phong

On March 26, SCDI and Hai Phong CDC co-hosted a meeting to review 2024 project outcomes and plans for 2025. Attendees included representatives from Hai Phong CDC, local hospitals, universities, law enforcement, and community groups.

Key reports highlighted SCDI's impactful role in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis prevention, advancing goals like the 95-95-95 AIDS strategy by 2030 and ending tuberculosis by 2035. SCDI presented results from projects like the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS and DRIVE-TB while addressing challenges such as barriers to treatment access for undocumented individuals.

Photo: Annual project review meeting in Hai Phong

Community groups shared their experiences, spotlighting issues like addiction status verification and ARV treatment for underserved populations. The meeting concluded with actionable recommendations, reinforcing the collaboration between SCDI, local authorities, and community partners to achieve a healthier, sustainable future.

SCDI attends the scientific conference on tuberculosis and lung diseases in Nghe An

On March 28, SCDI attended the 1st Expanded Scientific Conference on Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Nghe An, alongside the 2025 Tuberculosis Action Month Ceremony, organized by Nghe An Lung Hospital and the Nghe An Department of Health.

The conference facilitated discussions among experts on advanced techniques in tuberculosis (TB) and respiratory diseases. It also allowed healthcare professionals to exchange research and evaluate the application of new medical techniques, improving skills and advancing public health efforts.

Photo: Delegates from different organizations attending the conference

Nghe An Lung Hospital presented the results of its TB prevention efforts in 2024, including the identification of 1,686 TB patients and 47 cases of MDR-TB. The treatment success rate was 90.5%. Additionally, 16,771 people were screened in the community, with 10,258 Xpert tests conducted. Active screening continued in high-risk areas like prisons, leading to the diagnosis of 35 TB cases among 6,349 prisoners.

Since 2021, SCDI has partnered with Nghe An Lung Hospital to improve TB detection and treatment referrals. In 2024, their joint efforts in Quynh Luu district screened 7,432 people, identifying 18 cases of TB and 285 latent TB cases. The Community System to End TB (CSET), established by SCDI, played a key role in ensuring ongoing treatment and support for detected cases.