SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of October 2026

Community-based efforts to sustain HIV prevention in Ninh Binh

On October 3, SCDI welcomed a delegation from the Global Fund, the Department of Disease Prevention under the Ministry of Health, the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) in Viet Nam, and Ninh Binh Center for Disease Control (CDC) during a visit to the Trang Khuyet 35 community group.

The delegation learned about the group's ongoing activities and achievements in the local HIV response. Members also shared their experiences, challenges, and practical needs. The exchange provided a closer look at the role of community groups in bringing services closer to people facing vulnerabilities and offered an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss how to sustain community-based HIV prevention efforts.

Photo: The delegation at Trang Khuyet 35's office.

Discussing collaboration to sustain TB and HIV responses in Viet Nam

On October 6, SCDI joined a meeting with the Global Fund Country Team in Viet Nam, the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), the VUSTA Project Management Unit, and representatives of organizations implementing VUSTA-Global Fund projects to discuss collaboration and the sustainability of TB and HIV responses in Viet Nam for 2027–2029.

Participants discussed the contributions of civil society and community-based organizations to prevention and care services, as well as the challenges they face in their work. Global Fund representatives acknowledged these organizations' capacity and contributions and emphasized the importance of continuing to gather their input when developing future plans. The discussions helped identify directions for collaboration and ways to maintain community participation in providing essential health services.

Photo: Participants at the meeting.

CSET network continues its community-based efforts to end TB

Across SCDI's working areas, the Community System to End TB (CSET) carries out activities to help people affected by TB access information, diagnosis, treatment, and support. Network members raise awareness about TB, support access to screening and testing, provide nutritional assistance, and accompany people throughout their treatment journey.

In Nghe An, CSET members are also helping community members access and use OneImpact Vietnam, a digital health platform launched in Viet Nam on September 30, 2026. Developed by the Stop TB Partnership, the platform provides information about TB, connects people affected by TB with support services, and offers a channel to share feedback about their experiences accessing diagnosis and treatment. These activities help strengthen community participation and connect people affected by TB with the information and services they need.

Photo: A group sharing session on TB knowledge in Dak Lak province

Photo: CSET member in Nghe An province helping local people install and use the OneImpact Vietnam app

Connecting resources to strengthen access to HIV services in Hung Yen

On October 23, SCDI joined a regular project review and supervision meeting organized by the VUSTA Project Management Unit for the Global Fund HIV project at Hung Yen Center for Disease Control (CDC). The meeting brought together representatives from Hung Yen CDC, the VUSTA Project Management Unit, the Hung Yen Union of Science and Technology Associations (PUSTA), SCDI, and relevant local departments to review implementation progress and discuss ways to improve coordination.

Participants reviewed activities during the first ten months of 2026, including behavior change communication, community outreach, the provision of prevention supplies, and connections to HIV counseling, testing, and treatment services. Discussions also covered the need to maintain supplies of prevention commodities, expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), improve Methadone and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment services, and strengthen connections to appropriate healthcare facilities. The exchange helped identify practical solutions to improve coordination between health authorities, social organizations, and community networks, supporting continued access to HIV prevention and care services.

Photo: Participants at the review meeting in Hung Yen province.

Breaking the Cycle News

Mat Viet Group brings vision care closer to children and families in the Breaking the Cycle program in Ho Chi Minh City

On October 4, 105 children and parents participating in SCDI's Breaking the Cycle program in Ho Chi Minh City took part in an eye care event organized by Mat Viet Group. Participants received eye examinations, vision tests, and consultations on their eye health. Based on the examination results, 73 people will receive prescription glasses.

For families facing financial difficulties, access to eye examinations and suitable glasses can be challenging. The activity helped reduce some of these barriers while giving children better opportunities to maintain their vision for learning and everyday activities.

Photo: Mat Viet Group brings vision care to children and families in the Breaking the Cycle program through an activity held at SCDI's Ho Chi Minh office.

Preparing community teams to implement Breaking the Cycle in Gia Lai

From September 28 to October 3, members of the Community Momentum and Action Team (CMAT) in Phu Tuc and Ia Tul communes, Gia Lai Province, participated in knowledge-sharing and skills-building sessions to prepare for the implementation of Breaking the Cycle activities in their communities.

The sessions covered key program interventions, including the first 1,000 days of life, sexual and reproductive health for adolescents, and pathways connecting vocational training with employment opportunities. Members also exchanged ideas, developed plans, and discussed how to coordinate their work. 

Photo: Training CMAT members to provide vocational guidance to adolescents.

Building on the community networks established through SCDI's malaria prevention activities, CMAT will bring together experienced community members and trusted local figures, including village leaders and local collaborators, to help connect families with program activities and services.

Bringing more books and learning resources to children in Gia Lai

Books and age-appropriate learning materials can support children's language development, thinking skills, and curiosity. As part of the early childhood development activities in Gia Lai, SCDI continues to create opportunities for children to explore books and develop an interest in reading.

Recently, SCDI received a collection of books donated by Dinh Ti Books, which were shared with children that we are supporting in Gia Lai. The new books give children access to a wider range of learning materials and opportunities to discover new stories and knowledge, supporting their language development and interest in learning.

Photo: Picture books donated by Dinh Ti Books gave children in Gia Lai a wide variety of learning materials, supporting their language development and interest in learning.