SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of March 2026.

Strengthening community leadership in tuberculosis prevention and care

On March 3, SCDI met with community groups in Hanoi to exchange perspectives and practical lessons from their work supporting people affected by tuberculosis. Participants discussed challenges faced by patients, including barriers to accessing services, concerns about treatment side effects, and issues related to health insurance coverage.

Community members also reviewed updates on the epidemiological situation, diagnostic methods, and new treatment regimens for latent and drug-resistant tuberculosis. Discussions highlighted available support policies and the role of community engagement in improving prevention and treatment outcomes.

Photo: Community members learn about different types of TB and risks factors during the session

Through close collaboration with community groups, SCDI continues to translate local insights into practical support activities, strengthening community engagement in the effort to end tuberculosis in Vietnam.

Advancing mental health care for vulnerable communities

From March 5 to 7, under the DREAMH project, SCDI collaborated with partners to organize a training workshop on mental health care for vulnerable populations. The program brought together psychiatrists from hospitals and mental health facilities across 6 provinces and cities.

Participants explored mental health screening tools, early identification of support needs, motivational interviewing approaches, and treatment considerations. The workshop also created space for participants to share experiences from clinical practice and provide feedback for improving coordination among partners.

These exchanges contributed to strengthening mental health care practices that better reflect individual contexts and support more responsive and holistic care.

Photo: Psychiatrists learned about the DREAMH project during the training program

Highlighting community voices in tuberculosis response

In celebration of World TB Day, members of the Community System to End TB participated in a storytelling skills session organized by SCDI. The activity focused on developing communication content based on lived experiences in supporting people affected by tuberculosis.

Participants discussed real-life situations and explored ways to share stories through images and videos. By strengthening storytelling skills, community voices can be shared more widely, helping raise awareness and encourage action in tuberculosis prevention and care. The session also laid a foundation for community-led communication activities in the coming period.

Photo: Community members participating in the session on storytelling skills

Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh receives the National Order of Merit from the French Republic

On March 10, at the French Embassy in Hanoi, Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Executive Director of SCDI, received the rank of Knight of the National Order of Merit. The distinction recognized her longstanding contributions to public health and social inclusion for vulnerable communities in Vietnam.

The ceremony highlighted Dr.Oanh's role in promoting community-centered approaches, strengthening partnerships, and advancing inclusive public health initiatives. The recognition also reflected the collective efforts of colleagues, community members, and partners working toward sustainable change. 

Additionally, this occasion reaffirmed continued collaboration between SCDI and French partners in improving health and quality of life for vulnerable communities.

Photo: Dr. Oanh receives the National Order of Merit, rank of Knight

Sharing research experiences and strengthening collaboration for community health

On March 10 and 11, SCDI participated in the Scientific Days of the ANRS MIE Vietnam Partner Site at Hanoi Medical University. The event gathered researchers and health experts to share findings and strengthen collaboration in addressing infectious diseases.

During the conference, SCDI presented the DENGAGE project in Dak Lak province, which combines serological surveys with assessments of community knowledge and practices related to dengue prevention. The initiative aims to provide evidence for locally adapted prevention strategies and strengthen community roles in early detection and control.

Photo: Results from SCDI's DENGAGE project were shared at the conference

Meeting with experts on community-based dengue prevention

On March 12, SCDI met with dengue experts in Hanoi to discuss strategic directions for community-based prevention and control. The discussion highlighted the importance of community networks in implementing interventions and sharing local insights.

Participants also explored the development of a community-based One Health framework and opportunities for community-participatory research. The exchanges reinforced the role of collaboration and community-centered approaches in advancing public health solutions.

Photo: Experts share their insights on dengue prevention approaches during the meeting

ASEACA project kick-off: promoting collaboration in zoonotic disease prevention

From March 17 to 18, SCDI participated in the ASEACA project kick-off event co-organized by partners. The project is part of the PREZODE initiative, aiming to strengthen research capacity and cooperation in preventing zoonotic diseases using the One Health framework.

ASEACA focuses on identifying risk factors for disease emergence and developing early prevention tools, including surveillance systems and evidence-based interventions. As an implementation partner, SCDI will collaborate with stakeholders to support research and develop locally adapted solutions.

Photo: Participants at the ASEACA project kick-off event in Hanoi

Various activities in celebration of World TB Day

Throughout March, SCDI and partners organized a series of activities in Nghe An, Hai Phong, and Dak Lak to mark World TB Day. Events included conferences, community-led communication activities, and discussions on strengthening collaboration and expanding screening.

Community members shared lived experiences, organized interactive communication events, and supported awareness-raising activities. These initiatives highlighted the importance of empathy, reducing stigma, and encouraging proactive screening and treatment adherence.

Photo: CSET member Loc Van Hai shared about his story of overcoming TB at the conference celebrating World TB Day in Nghe An province

Photo: Community members shared TB prevention and control messages in ways that were accessible, relatable, and easy to understand.

Photo: Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, SCDI's Coastal Region Coordinator, shared about our commitment to work closely with local partners to effectively implement TB interventions and respond to asymptomatic TB.

The activities also emphasized strengthening partnerships among health authorities, community networks, and local organizations to expand early detection and improve access to care, contributing to progress toward ending tuberculosis in Vietnam.

Strengthening local partnerships and aligning strategic directions for 2026

In March, SCDI held coordination meetings across several provinces to review progress and align plans for 2026. The sessions brought together health authorities, hospitals, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Discussions highlighted the role of community networks in improving access to services and strengthening coordination across prevention, treatment, and support activities. The meetings also helped identify solutions tailored to local contexts and improve service quality for underserved groups.

These consultations will continue in other project areas to maintain close coordination and ensure activities remain responsive to community needs.

Photo: Coordination meeting in Hai Phong

Children in the Breaking the Cycle program learn about culture and the environment

Children in the Breaking the Cycle program in Hanoi joined activities combining environmental education and cultural experiences. Through interactive sessions, they learned about environmental protection, explored creative recycling ideas, and took part in hands-on activities such as making paper fans from eco-friendly materials.

The children also visited Bat Trang pottery village, where they discovered traditional crafts and created recycled artwork from ceramic fragments.

Photo: A girl proudly shared her recycled artwork made from ceramic fragments

These activities provided opportunities for children to explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with cultural values, while gaining practical experiences that linked environmental awareness with everyday life.