Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Details for Mechanism ID: 12736
Country/Region: Vietnam
Year: 2013
Main Partner: Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: NGO
Funding Agency: HHS/CDC
Total Funding: $315,000

In Vietnam, FIND is implementing a set of activities aimed at strengthening the quality of laboratory services, introducing new / more rapid diagnostic tools, increasing human resource capacity, and supporting the integration of laboratory services for diagnostic testing of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. This activity is referenced in the Partnership Framework Implementation Plan (Goal #2: Supporting the provision of sustainable HIV/AIDS Services through strengthening systems for peoples health and welfare, Objective 2.1 c: Improve Laboratory Systems through improved strategic planning, systems management, coordination, training and accreditation). FIND will support one national reference, five regional reference, one provincial and up to 15 district TB laboratories throughout Vietnam.

Anticipated benefits and outcomes include: 1) FIND will facilitate inclusive meetings to develop plans and policies that garner commitment to goals and implementation. During individual country assessments, FIND and partners will review and discuss policies, plans, and laboratory strategies with in-country leadership to craft the best approaches and objectives to reflect current needs, gaps and challenges. 2) FIND will work to bridge the gap in diagnostic tools, as well as patient care and treatment, by assisting in the development of integrated laboratory networks that include the testing of all HIV patients suspected of having TB and ensuring that TB patients are screened for HIV. Laboratory technicians will be trained to use more sensitive diagnostic tools.

Funding for Care: TB/HIV (HVTB): $315,000

In September 2010, FIND was awarded a centrally held, five-year cooperative agreement from the CDC to strengthen and integrate laboratory services under PEPFAR. For Vietnam, FIND is implementing a set of activities aimed at strengthening the quality of laboratory services, introducing new / more rapid diagnostic tools, increasing human resource capacity and supporting the integration of laboratory services for diagnostic testing of TB and HIV. FINDs project approach involves country leadership in discussions of laboratory service integration, reviewing past policies and strategic plans to identify needs and gaps, developing national standardized monitoring and evaluation plans, and creating timelines that pave the way forward.

Past activities include: 1) Laboratory assessments for selection of labs to be enrolled in Expand TB project and piloting of slide EQA e-software; 2) Creation and adaptation of training courses for TB laboratories, both management and technical training; 3) Production and delivery of training in TB laboratory management and improvement of TB testing quality/capacity; 4) Full-time in-country senior microbiologist providing TA to the Vietnam National TB Program (VNTP) and regional TB laboratories to improve TB diagnostics towards international standards and accreditation.