International donor funding for HIV services is decreasing as the Government of Vietnam takes financial responsibility for these services. This will result in a reduction in funding for community partners who must prepare for their longer-term sustainability by diversifying funding sources. One way USAID is supporting community-based HIV service providers to diversify is through developing business plans. USAID is supporting a number of these organizations like Pluto, a community-based provider, to open small businesses. Pluto recently opened an LGBTQI+-friendly cafe as a safe place for socializing, learning about HIV, and connecting with related services. A proportion of proceeds from the café supports Pluto’s Minh Ngoc private HIV clinic.
This work provides sustainable funding for community-based HIV organizations which are critical for Vietnam to reach its HIV goals of long-term epidemic control.
