Event: On November 25, 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, the non-profit LIFE Social Enterprise and USAID (through PEPFAR) launched the “USAID’s Sustainable Community AIDS Leadership and Empowerment (SCALE)” project to expand community-based HIV/AIDS prevention and care services. The USAID-funded project, approved by city authorities, is designed to strengthen HIV service usage among high-risk populations.
Objectives & scale: The SCALE project aims to increase uptake of HIV testing and services among key populations, strengthen financial and operational management of community HIV programs, and promote effective HIV/AIDS policies. Its targets include approximately 57,000 people tested, 3,500 new HIV diagnoses, and linking over 3,300 individuals to treatment.
Strategic context: This initiative is part of the elevated U.S.–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (established Sept 2023) and approaches the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties in 2025. USAID Vietnam noted the SCALE project “stands as a strong testament” to the long-term U.S. commitment to strengthening Vietnam’s public health capacities.
Stakeholders: Key partners include the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control, Ho Chi Minh City CDC, USAID, PEPFAR, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vietnam’s health ministry highlighted the effective technical support provided by the U.S. CDC in disease prevention and health policy development.
Community impact: By focusing on high-risk groups, the project is expected to significantly improve HIV testing and treatment coverage in Ho Chi Minh City, supporting Vietnam’s goal to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. It also promotes innovative, sustainable community health service models.
Future cooperation: The event underscores expanding health ties. Vietnam is moving to establish a national CDC and anticipates U.S. technical assistance to develop an effective model. This lays the groundwork for further collaboration in medical training, technology transfer, and joint public health research.