SCDI presents to readers the comprehensive outstanding news in November 2022

Discuss mechanisms for coordinating and maintaining HIV program support services during Covid-19 in Quang Ninh 

On August 26th, SCDI held a discussion in collaboration with Quang Ninh Center of Disease Control, with the participants of leaders, officers and related-party representatives. 

At the discussion, the HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities and the results of the CHEER/RDS model in the province were reported. In addition, the discussion also received feedback on the difficulties of the healthcare system and the community support network in the process of transferring and receiving patients for Methadone treatment, the challenges that CBOs were facing regarding the intra-provincial and inter-provincial referral process, and the insurance coverage for ARV treatment, in order to jointly consider and find ways to solve them. 

Photo: Discuss mechanisms for coordinating and maintaining HIV program support services during Covid-19 in Quang Ninh 

Leave no one behind 

On August 23th, SCDI organized a seminar on SOGIESC and the legal needs of the LGBT community, with the participation of representatives of the Lawyers' Association, Legal Consultancy Center, Department of Health, CDC, Union of Associations, Department of Social Evils Prevention, Women's Union in Hai Phong city.  

Support and inclusivity are the guiding principles in supporting LGBTAIQ+ people, especially transgender people in Vietnam. 

Photo: Seminar on SOGIESC and legal needs of LGBT community in Hai Phong 

Seminar: “Understanding the LGBT+ Community”  

The seminar was an opportunity to disseminate information, exchange and share among community members. The diverse questions raised by the students, such as come-out, coping with discrimination, and dealing with LGBT+ family members, were enthusiastically discussed and answered by the speakers and guests. 

Photo: Seminar with students from University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City

Promote a safe and inclusive school 

On August 8th, SCDI organized seminar on “Understanding the LGBT+ community” with lecturers from the faculty of Psychology – University of Social Sciences and Humanities Ho Chi Minh City HCM. During the seminar, the sharing of expertise in psychological support for sexual minorities, especially transgender people, was vigorously exchanged between experts, lecturers and the community. Expectations for gender-sensitive mental health care services, diversity respecting were shared by LGBT+ communities and parents and connected to reliable sites. 

Photo: Seminar with lecturers from University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City 

Intervention to enhance the capacity of young women and girls 

Through group communication activities and shift support, support groups for young women and adolescents have provided the knowledge and skills needed to reduce risks such as early pregnancy, unprotected sex, sexual abuse by their own communities. 

Capacity-building activities works as an "empowering" way to help vulnerable young women and girls find their self-worth, overcome prejudices and speak up for themselves.  

Critical thinking – communication training 

From August 11th to 13th, critical thinking and communication training was one of the activities of the Young Leadership Capacity Building, organized by SCDI for young people from community groups working with the center. 

The training session, led by Mr. Vu Hai Truong, aimed to enhance the community engagement and the leadership role of young people in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating drug and HIV harm reduction programs through innovative strategies. 

Photo: Training on critical thinking – communication organized at SCDI

Summary of the cooperative program for research and development of interventions, supporting children with adverse childhood experiences 

After almost 2 months conducting Vietnam Adverse Childhood Experiences Pathfinders (VACEP 2), 7 students from Cornell University and 7 students from VinUniversity work together to research Adverse Childhood Experiences – ACEs. From scientific journals and research projects in various fields with disciplines and practical experiences in Hanoi and Haiphong organized by SCDI, they have developed interventions and support measures to help children recover from past trauma.  Multidimensional interventions, which affect many aspects and closely follow the actual situation, have also been developed. 

Photo: SCDI staffs and VACEP 2 team 

Mental health care skills training for drug addicts 

SCDI conducted on-site staff training and technical support sessions, with particular emphasis on counseling skills, managing group activities and mental health intervention. 

The training session was attended by officers, doctors, nurses, and members of the counseling site. There, trainees were imparted, supplemented and equipped with additional knowledge in the implementation of mental health care, while also exchanging and sharing experiences in implementing addiction support and treatment on sites. 

Photo: Training on mental health care skills for drug addicts at Ben Tre