The USAID Sustainable HIV and Tuberculosis Response from Technical Assistance (SHIFT) project strengthens and delivers innovative enhancements in HIV and Tuberculosis services and helps transition the HIV/AIDS response to host country ownership in six provinces in Vietnam in order to accomplish the country’s ambitious target of eliminating HIV by 2030. During COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures in Vietnam restricted access to HIV treatment facilities. In order to ensure that patients had sustained access to clinical care, treatment, and medications, USAID SHIFT worked with clinicians and management at facilities in Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City to provide virtual counseling and health check-ups. USAID also supported health facilities to develop an antiretroviral (ARV) refill mechanism using the postal system. In April 2020, sites provided ARVs for 99 patients across the two provinces via post, prioritizing patients that live far away from their home clinic or were more vulnerable.

So What? Treatment continuity is the cornerstone of effective HIV care and treatment. By adapting clinical support, patients were able to access  life-saving treatment during this critical time.