As Vietnam transitions from donor-funded to locally-supported HIV/AIDS activities, SHI is an important resource for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Vietnam to meet their HIV treatment needs. However, some PLHIV are unable to pay for SHI premiums or ARV co-payments. Hence, it is critical for provinces to mobilize their own local resources to subsidize these SHI premiums and ARV co-payments in the SHI system. Ho Chi Minh City is home to the highest estimated number of PLHIV and the most patients on ARV treatment in Vietnam. To address this, the USAID Sustainable Financing for HIV activity helped Ho Chi Minh City Provincial AIDS Committee to successfully advocate for local funds for PLHIV with permanent resident status in the city. Ho Chi Minh City has committed $275,000 for SHI premiums and ARV copayment subsidies that will be made available in 2019.

So What? This mobilizing of local funds for HIV services makes HIV services affordable for PLHIV that need it by eliminating the financial barrier of out-of-pocket costs for SHI premiums and copayments. It also takes Vietnam one step further in its journey to self-reliance in the health sector.