SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of November 2025.

Breaking the Cycle expands its journey to the Central Highlands

After supporting children and families in urban areas for five years, Breaking the Cycle has officially extended its work to Gia Lai province. The expansion builds on existing community networks, focusing on early childhood development, access to education, life skills, and livelihood stability.

In Gia Lai, the program works closely with parents and local partners to support children during the first 1,000 days, strengthen school readiness, and open pathways to vocational training and employment for young people.

This new chapter demonstrates the adaptability of Breaking the Cycle across diverse communities and reinforces SCDI’s long-standing commitment to helping children break free from the cycles that hold them back.

Photo: SCDI during a field trip to the Central Highlands

Community efforts strengthen HIV prevention in Que Phong, Nghe An

In the mountainous district of Que Phong, SCDI and the Sao Va community group continued HIV screening and support activities under the CHEER model, despite the challenges posed by fluctuating weather conditions.

Over one month, 272 people accessed HIV testing, with positive cases linked to confirmatory tests and treatment. The team also assisted individuals who had lost their ID or health insurance documents, ensuring their continued access to essential health services.

Fourteen people were referred for Methadone treatment, contributing to a stronger and more connected community response. These efforts reflect the dedication of local partners who work every day to ensure no one is left behind in remote areas.

Photo: A client getting tested for HIV

CSET continues expanding community TB screening

From early September to November, the Community System to End TB (CSET) screened nearly 12,950 people for TB in high-risk areas. A total of 2,898 individuals were referred to health facilities, and 36 TB cases were identified for timely treatment.

Alongside screening, community teams organized small group communication sessions to strengthen public understanding of TB and reduce stigma.

Photo: A CSET member accompanies a client for TB screening and treatment.

These activities demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in closing detection gaps and advancing Vietnam's efforts to eliminate TB.

Diverse activities to empower children in the Breaking the Cycle program

Children in the Breaking the Cycle program experienced a variety of engaging and meaningful activities across Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City, designed to support their growth, curiosity, and emotional well-being.

In Hanoi, VinUni doctors helped organize led discussions on puberty, helping children understand their bodies and emotions, boosting self-awareness and confidence. In Hai Phong, program staff and community-based outreach workers visited families to assess needs and provide tailored support, strengthening community connections. In Ho Chi Minh City, children explored emotions through drawing and origami, and visited OUCRU’s vaccine research department for hands-on experiments that sparked curiosity and inspired confidence in learning.

Photo: A child in the program receives health check-up from a resident doctor from VinUniversity

Photo: CBO member in Hai Phong during a family visit

Photo: Children in Ho Chi Minh City during their visit to OUCRU

Photo:  A session on dealing with emtions for children in Ho Chi Minh City

Together, these activities reflect SCDI’s holistic approach: nurturing knowledge, emotional resilience, and self-confidence while building supportive communities. Volunteers and partners continue to play a vital role in creating these meaningful experiences.

DENGAGE advances community-based dengue research in Dak Lak

SCDI, in partnership with the Dak Lak Provincial CDC, has successfully advanced the DENGAGE project across 10 communes, engaging local communities in evidence-based dengue prevention.

Field teams completed serological testing for 1,566 participants, while group discussions and interviews with residents, health staff, and local authorities identified gaps in knowledge, behaviors, and factors contributing to recurring outbreaks. Despite temporary disruptions from a major storm, teams maintained steady progress, reflecting strong community trust and collaboration.

Supported by ANRS MIE and the French Embassy, DENGAGE will provide crucial evidence to guide early detection, vector control, and community-centered strategies, contributing to a more resilient response to dengue in Dak Lak.

Photo: The DENGAGE project is being implemented across 10 communes in Dak Lak

2025 Community Meeting in Quy Nhon

From November 13 to 15, more than 150 delegates representing government agencies, partners, organizations, and community members from across the country gathered in Quy Nhon for the 2025 Community Meeting, hosted by SCDI. The event created space for shared learning, reflection, and collective movement toward more inclusive health services.

Discussions centered on mental health, HIV, TB, dengue prevention, and broader global health issues. The event also introduced the newly launched DREAMH project, focusing on strengthening community-based mental health care for key populations.

Photo: Delegates at the Community Meeting 2025

Throughout the gathering, each story and experience reflected the strength of community leadership in building healthier, more compassionate systems for all.

Breaking the Cycle at the Human Act Prize 2025 exhibition

On November 15, Breaking the Cycle was presented at the Final Round of the Human Act Prize 2025 and featured in the exhibition at the headquarters of Nhan Dan Newspaper.

As one of 27 national finalists, the program highlighted its long-term, community-centered impact and its mission to help children break the cycle of disadvantage. The exhibition was on display from November 15 to 30, offering opportunities to connect with partners and the wider public.

Photo: Story of our Breaking the Cycle program is proudly featured at the Human Act Prize 2025 Exhibition

This recognition reflects the commitment of communities, families, and supporters who continue to work alongside SCDI to build a better future where no one is left behind.

SCDI at the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025

From November 18 to 21, SCDI joined the Union World Conference on Lung Health, presenting two community-driven TB models: the Community Systen to End TB (CSET) and the DRIVE-TB research for early detection of tuberculosis among people who inject drugs in Hai Phong.

Both models focus on reaching groups with limited access to healthcare, promoting early detection, reducing stigma, and providing support for treatment. The conference provided a platform for sharing lessons and learning from global experts in the field of lung health.

Photo: SCDI memebers with our posters about CSET at the Union World Conference on Lung Health

This participation reaffirms SCDI’s commitment to community-centered approaches in Vietnam’s journey toward ending TB.

DRIVE-TB launches fourth community-based TB research round

From November 18, 2025, DRIVE-TB began its fourth research round (RDS4) at Hai Dang and Vong Tay Be Ban offices in Hai Phong.

RDS4 assesses community-based TB interventions among high-risk, hard-to-reach groups, aiming to reach 1,000 participants using Respondent-Driven Sampling.

Community outreach workers lead screening, testing, counseling, referrals, and treatment follow-up, supported by AI-assisted X-rays and GeneXpert PCR.

Photo: Screening, testing, referral, and support for people with TB are carried out through close coordination between community teams and technical partners.

The research strengthens early detection, improves treatment outcomes, and highlights the critical role of trusted community networks in reaching vulnerable populations, reinforcing SCDI’s commitment to ending TB.