A health counselling session between UNICORN Thanh Hóa, a community-based organisation for HIV response, and one of the group's clients. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

THANH HÓA — In the ongoing global HIV response, community-led initiatives have filled critical gaps that public health systems alone cannot reach.

In central Việt Nam, the group UNICORN Thanh Hóa, stands out as a testament to perseverance, empathy and dedication to the well-being of others.

What began as confidential meetings due to social stigma has grown into a trusted extension of the local health-care network.

Over the past decade, UNICORN Thanh Hóa has helped thousands of people access HIV testing services, prevention tools, and counselling – bringing knowledge, confidence and hope to many who once felt isolated.

UNICORN leader, who is identified by his initials N.X.T., told Sức khỏe & Đời sống (Health & Life) newspaper that before 2012, there was virtually no safe space in Thanh Hóa for LGBT people – one of the groups most affected by HIV.

“The community was lonely, fearful and lacked even basic information of the disease,” he recalled.

Motivated by a desire to create a safe and supportive environment, he founded the group in 2013 with five core members.

At first, UNICORN operated discreetly, serving mainly as a peer-support group where people could share experiences and give each other encouragement. Its growing reputation quickly drew more members.

A turning point came in 2017, when Thanh Hóa implemented the global 90-90-90 HIV targets, which means that 90 per cent of all people living with HIV know their disease status, 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ARV), and 90 per cent of all people receiving ARV achieve viral suppression.

Through contact with staff from the provincial Centre for HIV/AIDS Control – now the Centre for Disease Control (CDC Thanh Hóa) – T. learned about evidence-based HIV prevention programmes.

From then on, UNICORN set a clear direction of supporting HIV prevention among key populations, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people.

Reaching out

In April 2019, the group received official support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, marking its transition from an informal support network to a professional CBO. By 2025, UNICORN had expanded its online network through popular social media apps in Việt Nam, engaging 37 core members.

Structured activities and consistent communication have significantly strengthened the community. UNICORN now conducts regular outreach, health-education workshops and peer-led sessions on safer sex practices and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“People have become more open and confident,” T. said.

“They share their stories, listen to others, and learn how to protect themselves and their peers.”

To devote more time to community work, T. resigned from his job in 2020 to focus fully on UNICORN Thanh Hóa.

UNICORN Thanh Hóa focuses on reaching people living with HIV and at-risk groups, helping them access prevention and treatment services. Their work is delicate, requiring patience, trust-building and respect for confidentiality.

The group identifies its clients – people at higher risk of acquiring HIV – and supports them in accessing essential HIV testing services, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and condoms and lubricants to reduce sexual transmission of HIV.

In recent years, UNICORN Thanh Hóa has reached out to MSM, sex workers, as well as drug users. The group also provides counselling for family members and close contacts, forming a comprehensive support network.

Since its inception, the group’s community-based testing and counselling activities have helped hundreds of people learn their HIV status and connect to antiretroviral therapy at health facilities across the province. Thousands of others at increased risk have been referred to preventive services.

According to Phạm Hữu Hà, an officer at the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department of CDC Thanh Hóa, from 2020 to Q3 of 2025, UNICORN Thanh Hóa delivered HIV testing services to 15,880 clients, identified 269 people living with HIV and successfully linked them to treatment.

In addition, 3,300 clients were referred for PrEP, helping Thanh Hóa achieve over 95 per cent of its annual target.

From early 2025 to date, the group has also distributed 142,550 condoms and 111,190 lubricant sachets for safer sex practices, significantly supporting HIV prevention efforts.

Leader of UNICORN Thanh Hóa N.X.T. during a working session with Phạm Hữu Hà, an officer at the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department of CDC Thanh Hóa. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

Create changes with compassion

UNICORN Thanh Hóa’s impact goes far beyond numbers. One memorable case in 2017 involved a woman in her late twenties working in a state agency who tested positive for HIV.

Overwhelmed by fear and stigma, she initially refused treatment and even experienced suicidal thoughts.

UNICORN Thanh Hóa patiently tried to contact her, and after several days, she eventually reached out to T. for help.

Through ongoing counselling and medical care, she regained confidence, became more open and achieved positive treatment results.

Another remarkable story took place in 2022 in the area formally known as Yên Định District, when T. reached out and persuaded a young man to get tested for HIV. When he tested positive, UNICORN encouraged him to begin treatment.

Further contact tracing revealed five others who were also HIV-positive. All were introduced to HIV care, demonstrating how timely, community-led engagement can save lives.

Phạm Hữu Hà of CDC Thanh Hóa praised the group’s essential contribution, adding: “UNICORN Thanh Hóa, under N.X.T.’s leadership, has been instrumental in reducing HIV transmission among LGBT communities.

“Without their efforts, it would be nearly impossible to reach many of these individuals. Their quiet dedication embodies genuine commitment to public health.

“The silent endeavour of T. and his team not only helps advance the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public-health threat, but also rekindles hope and dignity for thousands of people living with and affected by HIV in Thanh Hóa.” — VNS