On March 20th, SCDI welcomed a delegation from the French Embassy for a working session to discuss the community support models in the health and social sectors that SCDI is implementing in Hai Phong.
During the working session, SCDI presented projects planned for implementation in Hai Phong in 2025, emphasizing the crucial role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in providing comprehensive support and promoting sustainable development for vulnerable populations. The French Embassy delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Hai Dang community group and directly observe a community counseling session conducted by group members.
Additionally, during the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Huong and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Vinh, representing the research team, shared the results of the DRIVE study. This research helps to understand the health situation and needs of people who inject drugs in Hai Phong. They also highlighted the role of community members in contributing to the study's success and in helping identify other critical issues requiring intervention, such as Hepatitis C, mental health, and tuberculosis (TB).
The improvement and adaptation of the DRIVE model into the CHEER model (Community-based HIV Epidemiological Assessment and Intervention Model), implemented by SCDI within the framework of the VUSTA project – a Global Fund HIV/AIDS Project, was also discussed. The goal is to expand the scope of support, enhance intervention effectiveness, and evaluate the efficacy of applying new interventions to support community groups such as Injecting Drug Users (IDU) and Men who have Sex with Men/Transgender people (MSM/TG).
Photo: The delegation listens to discussions about the projects and community support models implemented by SCDI in Hai Phong
Photo: The delegation meets with the Hai Dang community group
The close collaboration between research agencies, French donors, and SCDI has created an important foundation for building sustainable solutions. This helps vulnerable communities in Hai Phong access essential health and social services, contributing to the protection of public health.
