SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of September 2026.

Dr. Oanh Khuat represents Viet Nam at the ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development

On September 8, Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Executive Director of SCDI, represented Viet Nam at the 21st ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The forum brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to exchange experiences on strengthening social services for people facing vulnerabilities.

Speaking in a session on community-based and people-centered social services, Dr. Oanh shared SCDI’s experience from the Breaking the Cycle program, which works with children and families facing overlapping barriers related to education, healthcare, social security, and resources. Her contribution highlighted the importance of coordination among families, schools, communities, local stakeholders, and service providers in connecting people with the support they need.

Photo: Dr. Oanh shared about SCDI's experience from building and implementing the Breaking the Cycle program at the 21st ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development.

Celebrating the DRIVE journey and its legacy: 15 years of connecting research and communities

After more than a decade of research and collaboration, SCDI brought together members of the DRIVE research family to reflect on the journey and the connections built along the way. What began with a focus on HIV among people who inject drugs later expanded to hepatitis C, mental health, COVID-19, and tuberculosis.

Over the years, the research journey created opportunities for researchers, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and community members to learn from one another and better understand realities on the ground. A three-day gathering provided space to share stories, lessons, and memories, while looking ahead to future directions. Beyond research findings, the journey has also contributed to stronger connections, trust, and experience within the community network.

Photo: Members of the DRIVE family shared 3 memorable days of learning, reflecting, and connecting during DRIVE Retreat in Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa province).

Active community-based TB screening in Nghe An

From September 22 to 30, SCDI, Nghe An Lung Hospital, Yen Thanh Health Center, local authorities, and health stations conducted active screening for tuberculosis and common respiratory diseases across 26 community sites in Nghe An. Digital chest X-rays supported by artificial intelligence were used to help identify people who may need further examination.

In the first two days, 1,614 people were screened. The activities identified 71 people with presumptive TB, 161 people with other respiratory conditions, and referred 72 people for GeneXpert testing. Four people were diagnosed with TB and linked to treatment and care. Bringing screening closer to communities can support earlier detection and connection to services, particularly in areas where access to healthcare remains difficult.

Photo: Local people lined up for chest X-rays for TB screening using a mobile X-ray unit.

TBPeople Vietnam comes together for its first meeting

On September 28 and 29, SCDI met with members of TBPeople Vietnam to share experiences and discuss the role of communities in TB prevention and care. The network brings together people affected by TB, who have spent years supporting and accompanying people through TB treatment.

The meeting created space for members to connect, share experiences, and discuss ways to strengthen community participation and connections between people affected by TB and health services. Their experiences also offered insights into the needs and challenges faced by people receiving care. SCDI will continue accompanying the group as it develops its activities and strengthens community participation in TB response.

Photo: Members of TBPeople Vietnam.

Launching OneImpact Vietnam

On September 30, OneImpact Vietnam was officially launched at Nghe An Lung Hospital, bringing together representatives from the National Tuberculosis Control Program, SCDI, the Center for Supporting Sustainable Development in Central Vietnam (SSDC), healthcare professionals, TB patients, and members of TBPeople Vietnam.

Developed by the Stop TB Partnership and now available in 35 countries, OneImpact provides information about TB, helps connect people affected by TB with healthcare and support services, and offers a channel to share feedback about their experience accessing diagnosis and treatment. During the launch, participants were introduced to the platform and tried its features with support from community members. The platform adds another channel for people affected by TB to access information, connect with services, and share their experiences.

Photo: A healthcare staff instructing a TB patient on how to use OneImpact Vietnam.

Breaking the Cycle News

Supporting children as they prepare for the new school year

As the 2026-2027 school year began, SCDI and local partners organized activities with children and families in Ha Noi, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak to support their return to school. In Ha Noi, children reflected on their summer experiences, shared their wishes for the new school year, and set personal goals, while parents and grandparents identified ways they could accompany them. In Gia Lai and Dak Lak, children received practical school supplies, books, and other age-appropriate items.

In Gia Lai, activities were held in Ia Tul and Phu Tuc, while in Dak Lak, 3,443 students in Ea Kly and Tan Tien received school-year gifts through coordination between SCDI, Dak Lak Metta Foundation, and supporting organizations and donors. Across the different activities, children and families had opportunities to connect, prepare for the school year, and strengthen their motivation to continue learning. SCDI and its local partners will continue accompanying children and families throughout their learning journey.

Photo: Children in Ho Chi Minh City receiving school supplies for the new school year.

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival brought children in the Breaking the Cycle program together for opportunities to play, explore, and enjoy time with their families and peers. Activities included exploring farms, making lanterns from recycled materials, sharing festive treats, and receiving gifts.

Designed around children’s interests and participation, the activities created a warm space for children to connect and enjoy new experiences together. For SCDI and the program’s partners, these moments are also part of creating opportunities for children to develop, build connections, and experience a supportive community around them.

Photo: Children in Hanoi received gifts and enjoyed a Mid-Autumn Festival feast after a full day of exciting activities at Detrang Farm (Ba Vi, Ha Noi).