Efforts to maintain the ongoing support of HIV/AIDS programs by the Global Fund in Vietnam amidst the restructuring of the Ministry of Health

On March 28, 2025, in Hanoi, a meeting was organized by the CCM Secretariat (CCM) in collaboration with the Viet Nam Administration of Disease Prevention (VADP), Ministry of Health of Vietnam, and the Global Fund. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss organizational and operational adjustments to the Global Fund supported project on HIV/AIDS in Viet Nam in the context of the ongoing restructuring of the Ministry of Health and evolving international aid landscape.

In his remarks, Dr. Hoang Minh Duc, Director General of the VADP, informed that the Ministry of Health had officially merged three units: Department of Preventive Medicine, Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, and Department of Health Environment Management into the Department of Disease Control (VADP). The consolidation was conducted thoroughly to avoid disruption to both technical operations and internationally funded projects, including the Global Fund supported project on HIV/AIDS in Viet Nam.

However, Dr. Duc openly admitted that there were several initial challenges following the merger, such as administrative changes involving seals, bank accounts, and office locations, which temporarily affected project activities. VADP committed to completing all necessary procedures as soon as possible and expressed its desire for ongoing close collaboration with the Global Fund to ensure timely implementation of project activities.

During the meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thi Thu Huong, Project Director, informed that she had been appointed by the Ministry of Health as Chairwoman of Hanoi Medical University Council. To ensure efficient project management in the new phase, the Project Director position would be transitioned in compliance with regulations. She also highlighted new challenges, particularly community-based testing and treatment for PrEP that have arisen since the end of some USAID – funded initiatives. In this regard, support from the Global Fund remains vital to help Vietnam sustain its achievements and move closer towards the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Mr. Olivier Cavey, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager at the Global Fund, acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts in continuing project activities and expressed optimism that the program will soon resume full operations. He underlined the necessity of providing the Global Fund with timely and comprehensive information on organizational, financial and legal changes in order to maintain compliance and transparency. However, he also expressed concern that the budget allocated by the Global Fund to Vietnam might be reduced by at least 30% in the upcoming funding cycle due to global resource mobilization challenges. He urged that the Ministry of Health should modified its strategy as the Global Fund would not directly sign contracts with lesser value.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hoang Minh Duc noted that the Ministry has been authorized by the Government to act as the principal agency in the development of the National Health Program, which would incorporate an HIV/AIDS component overseen by the VADP. This arrangement is expected to guarantee sustained resources amidst declining international funding. The Department of Disease Control is committed working with the Global Fund to develop a suitable program for the next 9th funding cycle

In conclusion, both parties reached consensus on a number of important issues and particular steps to guarantee the continuation of prevention and control activities, such as:

• Completing administrative processes related to the project’s finances and organization
• Updating legal information, particularly regarding the framework agreement between the Government of Vietnam and the Global Fund;
• Collaborating on the design of the new grant cycle program to optimize both international and domestic resources;
• Reviewing and adjusting mechanisms for cooperating with partners holding small-value contracts, given reductions in aid.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of cooperation, proactiveness, and shared responsibility, affirming the joint commitment to sustaining effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs in support of public health and sustainable development in Vietnam.

CCM Secretariats