Over the past several decades, the Government of Vietnam has made remarkable strides in improving the health of the country’s citizens. However, public health concerns have the potential to threaten sustained economic progress. The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic influenza in animals and humans, the continued threat of the HIV epidemic among key populations, fragile health systems, and human resource constraints could limit Vietnam’s continued growth. Additionally, limited health services for vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, have led to significant gaps in service delivery, resulting in lower health indicators and reduced economic opportunities.
Under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID manages large-scale activities to help prevent HIV/AIDS, as well as to treat and care for people living with the disease. In addition, in close collaboration with the Government of Vietnam and civil society organizations, USAID provides funding and technical support to prevent, detect and respond to avian and pandemic influenza and other emerging pandemic threats and combat neglected tropical diseases.
- A USAID co-piloted methadone program begun in 2008 has been adopted by the Government of Vietnam and transformed from a two-province model to a nationwide system of nearly 250 methadone distribution sites that serve 50,000 clients. In fiscal year 2018, USAID will no longer procure methadone for the program as the government takes over this important responsibility.
- USAID's support in combating highly pathogenic avian influenza has helped reduce the number of bird flu outbreaks in Vietnam from almost 2,000 in 2005 to an average of under 50 per year since 2011.
Key areas of focus include:
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