Support for Technical Excellence and Private Sector Sustainability in Vietnam

With support from the United States and other donors, Vietnam has dramatically reduced the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in the country over the past two decades. This progress has put the Government of Vietnam’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030 within reach. However, the country’s HIV epidemic persists among populations at the highest risk of HIV, known as key populations, and decreasing donor funding threatens the long-term sustainability of essential prevention and treatment services. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is responding to these challenges through the Support for Technical Excellence and Private Sector Sustainability in Vietnam (STEPS) project, funded through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  

GROWING A SUSTAINABLE HIV MARKET 

Sustainable delivery of HIV health services requires greater participation from the private sector. A market-based approach can contribute to improved health outcomes by increasing client choice and convenience. The project promotes private sector participation to grow a sustainable HIV market in Vietnam. This includes partnering with diverse private sector groups to introduce and scale innovative service delivery models and health products that align with what key populations need and want. 

HELPING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDERS TO SUCCEED

Social enterprises and clinics led by key population individuals play a crucial role in the HIV response, yet challenges such as financing gaps hinder their growth. USAID provides a package of training, coaching, and investment advice to these partners to help them improve and expand their businesses and services to reach more people.

FACILITATING PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT

USAID partners with Government of Vietnam counterparts to address the gaps in current regulatory structures and policies impacting HIV market growth, including key population engagement in the HIV response. USAID-supported progress includes the creation of the country’s first national plan to increase private sector engagement in the HIV market, and the issuance of telemedicine regulations that expanded health services in remote areas. USAID also supports the Government of Vietnam to develop and implement  a comprehensive plan to maintain PrEP—a game-changing HIV preventive medication—as a key part of the national HIV response, including allocating public funds for PrEP. 

IMPACT

USAID will facilitate the growth of more than 30 private sector service providers, including key population-led enterprises, and generate $15 million in private sector investment to support greater sustainability of Vietnam’s HIV response.

Through introducing and scaling-up innovative service delivery models, USAID will enroll approximately 6,000 clients on PrEP each year, enable sales and distribution of over 50,000 HIV self-test kits, and support more than 10,000 clients annually to receive integrated HIV and primary health care services in the private sector. 

TARGETED LOCALITIES

The project works at the national level and focuses work with communities and service delivery partners in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai province.