On September 29, 2025, the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) was honored to welcome Mr. Jérémie Pellet, Chief Executive Officer of Expertise France; Mr. Julien Seillan, Country Director of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in Vietnam; Mr. Florian Despons, Chief of Staff at Expertise France; and Mr. Gilles Angles from the French Embassy in Vietnam, for a meeting with community partners in Hanoi.

During the discussion, community members who are directly implementing HIV response activities shared their daily experiences, the challenges they face in accessing services, and their innovative efforts to close existing gaps in support for vulnerable populations.

Photo: Representatives from Expertise France, AFD and the French Embassy in Hanoi in discussion with SCDI and community partners.

Representatives from Expertise France and AFD commended the progress achieved by SCDI and its community network over the past decade, reaffirming their commitment to continue supporting initiatives on public health, mental health, and HIV prevention in Vietnam.

Mr. Jérémie Pellet emphasized, “What matters most is connecting community work with the health system and taking a comprehensive approach, addressing not only HIV but also mental health.”

The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation, reaffirming the central role of communities in developing sustainable health solutions, and advancing the shared goal of ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey to end HIV.