United States launches project to support Ho Chi Minh City’s HIV response

USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs speaks at the launch of the project. (Photo: VNA)

It was launched on November 25 by the United States Mission to Vietnam, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health and LIFE Social Enterprise Company Limited.

“Ho Chi Minh City has made remarkable strides toward the national goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. USAID stands alongside the city in this vital effort. This new project is a testament to the United States’ unwavering commitment and tangible support in bolstering community-driven responses to the AIDS epidemic,” said USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs.

“I urge the city’s Center for Disease Control, along with all partners and health care facilities, to fully utilize the resources and opportunities this project provides to significantly reduce HIV transmission among most at-risk populations. Together, we can create lasting impact and move closer to a future free from HIV/AIDS,” he added.

The new Sustainable Community AIDS Leadership and Empowerment project, funded by the U.S. 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 HCMC’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. 

Health cooperation is a key pillar of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The United States is dedicated to supporting Vietnam’s health sector goals, including addressing long-standing and emerging infectious disease threats and epidemics like HIV/AIDS.

USAID has supported Vietnam’s efforts to end HIV/AIDS since 1997. Since 2012 alone, USAID has provided USD176 million to support these efforts. 

Ho Chi Minh City has achieved significant progress with 93% of people living with HIV knowing their HIV status; 92% of people who know their status receiving HIV treatment; and 98% of people on treatment being virally suppressed (their health is well protected and they are not at risk of transmitting HIV to other people). However, HIV infections are rising, particularly among men who have sex with men, a group which accounted for two-thirds of new cases in 2023./.