General Information
Donor(s): APCASO, Expertise France
Period: 9/2024 - 5/2027
Implementing Sites: Across regions where SCDI is implementing projects on tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.
Implementing Unit: Health and Social Protection Program
In Vietnam, the women, girls, and people of diverse sexuality are among the most vulnerable groups on HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria intervention programs. Barriers to accessing information, healthcare services, and support resources stem from social stigma, gender norms, and policy gaps. As the country aims to eliminate these three diseases by 2030, ensuring equity in access and the involvement of vulnerable groups is critical. Sustainable and multi-dimensional strategies are needed to narrow existing gaps and promote active participation of vulnerable groups in health policy and planning.
Starting in September 2024, the Gender Justice and Sexual Rights in Health Initiative project has been implemented toto promote the engagement of civil society organizations and community groups, particularly key affected women and girls (KAWG) and people of diverse sexuality (POD), in advancing gender equality and sexual health rights in Viet Nam. The project established the Gender Equality and Sexual Health Working Group, composed of experienced individuals representing the KAWG and POD communities. This group advocates for equitable access to services, information, and education related to HIV, TB, malaria, and general health. It also creates space for communities to engage in shaping, implementing, and monitoring programs— affirming their role in the health response and in promoting gender equity.
2024 Key Results
In 2024, the working group was officially formed with 12 core members. The group began developing a national analysis report on gender equality and sexual health rights within the context of HIV, TB, and malaria programs. This foundational document will inform future interventions and provide evidence-based for the group’s engagement in national strategies. Members of the working group have also received training on gender equality, sexual health, community leadership, and SOGIESC-related knowledge.
2025 Key Results
In 2025, the working group expanded to 60 members, with diversity in age and areas of work, including TB, HIV, malaria, reproductive health, and sexual health. The project organized 3 training sessions and 1 thematic meeting, helping members strengthen their knowledge and skills in integrating gender equality and sexual health into local programs. In addition, the project completed a national situation analysis report on gender equality and sexual health in the areas of TB, HIV, and malaria. This document serves as an important foundation for guiding interventions in the next phase, while also creating a basis for the working group to contribute to policy discussions at the national level.
The results achieved so far have laid an initial foundation for efforts to advance gender equality and protect sexual health rights in the context of HIV, TB, and malaria responses in Vietnam. Building on this, the project will continue to expand outreach and strengthen coordination with relevant stakeholders, including health service providers, policymakers, development and technical partners, through training and information-sharing activities.
Focal Person
(Ms.) Le Thanh Trung - Health and Social Protection Program Manager
.JPG)
