The DENGAGE project combines serological surveys with assessments of community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on dengue prevention across ten communes in Dak Lak, alongside discussions with local health workers and community members to better understand factors shaping dengue risk. 💪
On 10–11 March, SCDI participated in the Scientific Days of the ANRS MIE Partner Site in Vietnam at Hanoi Medical University, where we shared insights from the DENGAGE project currently being implemented in Dak Lak province.
Through DREAMH, supported by @linitiative.bsky.social, we aim to strengthen referral pathways between community networks and psychiatric services, enabling more coordinated mental health care for vulnerable communities. 🌿
The training introduced the project and the mental health quick screening tool (QST). It also created space for psychiatrists to exchange insights on early identification of mental health needs, motivational interviewing, and treatment considerations.
Recently, along with the Pierre Nicole Center and Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, we organized a 3-day training for psychiatrists from 6 provinces in Vietnam.
On this occasion, we would like to extend our sincere thank to all of our French partners for their trust and collaboration over the years.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and strengthening efforts that support healthier, more inclusive communities in Vietnam.
This recognition reflects many years of work to advance public health and social inclusion with communities in Vietnam, as well as the shared efforts of colleagues, partners, and community members who have shaped these initiatives.
🎉On March 10, Dr. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Executive Director of SCDI, was awarded the National Order of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite), rank of Knight, by the French Republic at a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of France in Hanoi.
🌟Highlights of February 🌟
After Tet, our teams are back and ready for the months ahead with renewed energy.
From meaningful activities with children in the Breaking the Cycle program to new collaborations for #MaternalAndChildHealth, February brought many exciting moments.
Community members also shared the real barriers people face, from access to services to concerns about treatment side effects and health insurance.
These insights help shape TB responses that stay grounded in community realities and needs, and advance the journey to #EndTB. 💪
Community-led efforts are vital in the fight against TB. 🌿
Recently, SCDI met with community groups in Hanoi to exchange lessons from local outreach, counselling, referrals, and treatment support for people affected by tuberculosis.
This was an important moment, not only to assess progress but also to keep our work grounded in community realities and shared accountability.
Grateful to our partners, and to @linitiative.bsky.social and @expertisefrance.bsky.social for making this space possible.
We also aligned priorities for 2026 and strengthened coordination across countries, with a continued focus on gender equity and sexual well-being in HIV, TB, and malaria responses.
Last week, we joined our partners - @apcaso.bsky.social, KHANA Cambodia, and SWING Thailand - in Hoi An (Vietnam) for the REGENERATE Midterm Evaluation Workshop.
Discussion focused on reviewing preliminary REGENERATE midterm findings, validating key results, and sharing stories of change.
This partnership will allow us to continue our work on maternal and child health issues, drawing on our network of community members and local staff.
By working closely with local partners, we'll make sure interventions are practical, responsive, and sustainable.
On Feb 27 in Hanoi, SCDI and the Loving Touch Foundation signed an MoU, marking a new step in our shared commitment to community health.
Together, we will implement activities in Nghe An province of Vietnam, focusing on support for children's first 1000 days of life.
This partnership will allow us to continue our work on maternal and child health issues, drawing on our network of community members and local staff.
By working closely with local partners, we'll make sure interventions are practical, responsive, and sustainable.
Community engagement also deepens residents' empathy and communication.
🌿 Nguyen Quynh Giang, who is also a Pediatric Resident at VinUni, reflected:
For children and their families, early intervention helps reduce school disruption and eases financial pressure.
For residents, community practice means learning beyond hospital walls.
🌿Reflecting on this experience, Nguyen Quynh Trang, a Pediatric Resident at VinUni, shared:
Since 2021, we have worked with VinUni's Residency Program to improve the health outcomes of children in our “Breaking the Cycle” program.
Through this collaboration, we build individual health records, detect concerns early, and ensure timely care.
It was a simple but meaningful moment to reflect on the road ahead.
As we begin 2026, we'd like to send our warmest wishes to our donors, partners, and community networks.
Looking forward to another year of collaboration built on trust and shared purpose. 💪
Welcoming the Year of the Horse 2026 🌸🌟
Today, the SCDI team returned to the office after Tet, reconnecting across offices for our annual New Year gathering and sharing lucky envelopes to start the year with hope and renewed energy.
🌸Notice of our Lunar New Year holiday schedule:
👉We will be out of office from February 14th to February 22nd.
👉 Work will resume on February 23rd.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and an exciting year ahead. Looking forward to continuing our work together in 2026 ✨
Tet holiday is just around the corner 🐎✨
We would like to express our gratitude to all donors, partners, community members, and friends who have accompanied us in the past year.
Thank you for standing with us in advancing health, dignity, and social inclusion in Viet Nam 💛
🌱 January Recap 🌱
January at SCDI was about reflection and togetherness.
We celebrated 16 years of collective growth in Chiang Mai and shared Tet joy with children in the Breaking the Cycle program, thanks to @BVISHanoi.
👉 Read more: scdi.org.vn/en/news/scdi...
That is why SCDI strengthens community networks as a bridge to the health system.
In our TB response, #CSET members support information sharing, paperwork, referrals, and continuous accompaniment, helping people access care in time and stay in treatment. 💪
Across our project sites, we see common barriers: limited information, economic hardship, and challenges with required paperwork.
These can delay treatment, interrupt care, and increase long-term financial pressure when illness occurs.
☂ In Viet Nam, progress toward #UHC is largely driven by expanding health insurance coverage. It helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and supports more regular care.
But in practice, having health insurance cards alone is often not enough, especially for vulnerable populations.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the students, parents, and teachers of BVIS Hanoi for continuing to support our programme over the years, and for helping bring a more joyful Tet to the children. 💙
