HCMC – 1.12.2022
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is increasing rapidly among young people, particularly men who have sex with men. Among those who are diagnosed with HIV, people under 29 years of age account for almost 50%. Concerningly, these young people have limited information and knowledge related to HIV prevention, treatment, and services, leading to low utilization and up-take of health care services. Upon reviewing the data, it was recognized that current programming has not focused on reaching young factory workers who seemed to be disproportionately affected. The SAFE-ZONE campaign, initiated under the LADDERS project, has been working to address this gap in coverage among this at-risk group. On December 1st, LADDERS, implemented by Life Centre, convened a workshop introducing the SAFE –ZONE campaign.
The campaign uses tailored HIV prevention messages and materials specifically for workers in factories/industrial zones focusing on improving knowledge, attitudes and practices related to sexual health, including safe sex practices and HIV/AIDS prevention. This intervention also enhances access to community-based HIV services such as counseling, testing, referral, PrEP, PEP and ARV. This novel intervention was piloted in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai provinces in late 2022, with promising initial results. Stakeholders and representatives of factories and multinational companies recognized the tangible impact of SAFE-ZONE in the common goal of improving and protecting workers’ health.
In order to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, it’s critical for a broad and collective effort with partners in both industry as well as health work together to mobilize the available resources/expertise to reduce HIV transmission among the key populations – particularly young MSM in factory/industrial zones.
Figure 1. A featured talk show during the workshop discussed the impact of SAFE-ZONE and its potential for expansion. Participants included a representative from the VAAC, two representatives from industry, a representative from a CBO working in the SAFE-ZONE campaign and the Director for LIFE Centre overseeing the implementation of LADDERS.
Figure 2. Dr Minh Tam Thi Nguyen, Leader of the Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, emphasized the urgency and necessity of deploying innovative intervention models on HIV/AIDS for young factory workers.
Figure 3. Dr Randolph Augustin, Director of the Office of Health at USAID Vietnam, also affirmed USAID’s commitment to strengthening community capacities, enhancing community engagement through strategic partnerships (e.g. C2P+).
