A transgender woman is an individual who was born biologically male but whose gender identity is female. Worldwide, transgender women (TGW) are one of the most vulnerable populations, with an HIV acquisition risk 49 times that of the general population and a 19 percent HIV prevalence rate. However, little was known about TGW in Vietnam and HIV interventions for them have been limited.

In May 2018, USAID’s Enhanced Community HIV-Link Southern activity released findings of an HIV risk assessment among TGW and proposed recommendations to move forward. The assessment found a 16.5 percent HIV prevalence rate among 456 transgender women sampled. Only 59 respondents were aware of their HIV positive status, and among them only 39 were on HIV treatment. Risk factors correlated with HIV infection included the use of recreational drugs before having sex, a history of experiencing discrimination, and having sexually transmitted diseases.

So What? This baseline data will facilitate data-driven, targeted HIV programming in Vietnam, and address this group’s needs.