How USAID is Promoting HIV Prevention in Vietnam
Dr. Tran Le Viet Thanh is the Medical Director of Glink Vietnam, a USAID-supported clinic providing access to health care for the LGBTQI+ community. He is also a central figure in revolutionizing HIV care in Vietnam, advancing youth empowerment, and increasing LGBTQI+ advocacy. Dr. Thanh has pioneered an integrated care model for HIV prevention and treatment, ensuring that men who have sex with men and transgender individuals receive comprehensive, stigma-free health care. His expertise in antiretroviral therapy, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis has set a new benchmark for inclusive health services in Vietnam.
Dr. Thanh has a prominent role in the Unitour campaign, a collaborative initiative between the government of Vietnam, Glink, and USAID to raise awareness about sexual health and rights among university students. Since its inception in 2022, Unitour has reached over 39,000 students with messages of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment through in-person events and over 14.8 million online interactions.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Thanh shares that his involvement in Unitour allowed him to understand the complexities of teenage sexual relationships beyond academic reports, motivating him to redouble his advocacy.
Dr. Thanh engages with students at these events, addressing their questions and providing valuable advice. He extends his impact on social media, creating engaging, authentic content which inspires young people to prioritize their health through proactive health management.
In celebration of PRIDE Month, Dr. Thanh’s work stands as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and leadership. His involvement in the Unitour campaign highlights his commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBTQI+ community. By breaking down barriers and addressing stigma, he has empowered countless individuals to embrace their identities and seek the care they deserve.
Over the past two decades, Vietnam has significantly reduced new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, nearing its goal of ending AIDS by 2030. Despite this progress, the HIV epidemic persists among high-risk populations, while decreasing donor funding threatens the sustainability of essential services.
USAID, with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Funding, is addressing these challenges by promoting sustainable HIV health services, supporting social enterprises and clinics, and facilitating private sector investment in HIV treatments like PrEP.
Over the next two years, USAID initiatives will foster the establishment of over 30 private sector service providers, generate $15 million in private sector investment, enroll approximately 6,000 clients on PrEP annually, distribute over 50,000 HIV self-test kits, and support integrated HIV and primary health care services for over 10,000 clients each year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Benjamin Ilka is a storyteller and visual media specialist at USAID’s Mission in Vietnam.