A HIV patient receives consultancy in HCM City. Photo by VNA
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has co-operated with the HCM City Department of Health and LIFE Social Enterprise Company Limited to launch a USD1.85 million project to help the city achieve the national goal to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.
According to USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs, HCM City has made remarkable strides toward the national goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. This new project is a testament to the US’s unwavering commitment and tangible support in bolstering community-driven responses to the AIDS epidemic.
“I urge the city’s Centre for Disease Control, along with all partners and health care facilities, to fully utilise the resources and opportunities this project provides to significantly reduce HIV transmission among most at-risk populations," the US official said. "Together, we can create lasting impact and move closer to a future free from HIV/AIDS.”
The new Sustainable Community AIDS Leadership and Empowerment project, funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID and implemented by LIFE until 2026, focuses on strengthening the city’s HIV response efforts by enhancing community engagement in the HIV response. This includes: effectively leveraging HCM City’s workforce of well-trained, experienced community outreach workers; increasing the reach, visibility, and use of community health services for most at-risk populations; and improving the enabling environment to support the sustainability of community-provided HIV-related goods and services.