Washington [US], November 26: On November 25, the US Mission in Vietnam, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health and the social enterprise Life to launch a $1.85 million project to support Ho Chi Minh City in achieving the national goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
The new project launched in Ho Chi Minh City is called "Mobilizing Resources and Strengthening Local Capacity for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control" funded by USAID from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR ) . Social enterprise Life is responsible for implementing the project from now until 2026.
Ho Chi Minh City has made impressive progress, with 93% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 92% of those diagnosed entering treatment, and 98% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression (meaning their health is well protected and there is no risk of transmitting HIV to others).
However, new HIV infections, particularly among men who have sex with men, are rising and will account for two-thirds of new infections detected in 2023.
The project is expected to significantly reduce HIV transmission among high-risk groups in the city, focusing on supporting the city's efforts in responding to HIV through increased community participation in responding to HIV.
Activities include: effectively promoting the workforce of experienced and well-trained community outreach workers in Ho Chi Minh City; improving the accessibility, availability and utilization of community health services for high-risk groups; and creating an enabling environment to ensure the sustainability of community-provided HIV-related products and services.
"Ho Chi Minh City has made impressive progress toward the national goal of ending AIDS by 2030. USAID stands with the city in this important effort. This new project is a testament to the United States' continued commitment and practical support to strengthen the community-led response to AIDS," said USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs.
Health cooperation is a key pillar of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Under this framework, the United States is committed to supporting Vietnam's health sector goals, including addressing long-standing and emerging infectious disease threats and other epidemics such as HIV/AIDS.
USAID has supported Vietnam's efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic since 1997. Since 2012 alone, USAID has provided $176 million to support these efforts.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
