External funding reduction of HIV/AIDS programme: Exploring options for financial sustainability

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: To examine the financing trend for HIV/AIDS programme for 2011–2019 and to explore the potential options to fill funding gap and sustain the programme. Methods: Using mixed methods, including literature review and qualitative interview (16 in-depth interviews with key informants from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control and related departments of Bac Ninh and Dien Bien Provinces). Results: The total fund for 2011–2019 was 22,243 billion VND (USD317.3 million) with the largest contribution of external funding (67%). The share of government budget remains quite low (9%). HIV/AIDS programme is focusing on shifting the finance of HIV/AIDS services from programme/projects to the health insurance fund; increasing the contribution of local government budget and diversifying other domestic sources. It is important for the programme to promote the integration of HIV/AIDS services into the current healthcare system and decentralization of HIV/AIDS services into primary healthcare facilities. Conclusion: To fill the funding gap for HIV/AIDS programme, it requires increasing contribution from local goverment budget for prevention activies as well as social health insurance for treatment. Lessons learnt from HIV/AIDS programme could suggest for other priority public health programmes to sustain their achievements in the upcoming years.