Vietnam recently hosted a PCF training and consultative workshop aimed at identifying gaps and co-create a comprehensive strategic plan that integrates all the interests and needs of the populations in three provinces: Can Tho, An Giang, and Dong Thap. Held from February 17-21, these events marked one of the first initiatives in the latest phase of an ongoing global effort. With financial support of the Gates Foundation, and in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) under the PRIME TB initiative, PCF4TB is aiming to enhance subnational TB planning using lessons learned from previous work under the People-Centered Framework for Tuberculosis (PCF4TB).
Why Subnational TB Planning Matters
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, and national TB programs (NTPs) often rely on strategic plans designed at the national level. However, successful implementation depends on how well these plans are adapted to the specific needs of local communities, states, regions, and provinces. Factors such as population diversity, geographic barriers, disproportionate healthcare infrastructure, diverse risk drivers and local funding mechanisms can significantly impact the effectiveness of TB interventions.
By focusing on subnational planning, countries can ensure that TB programs are tailored to address the realities on the ground, making them data-driven, more impactful, resilient and sustainable.
People-Centred Framework for Subnational TB Planning in Vietnam
A key principle of this initiative is people-centeredness, placing the needs and perspectives of communities at the core of TB strategies. The training and consultative workshop in Vietnam brought together a diverse group of interest-holders, including epidemiologists, data analysts, healthcare providers, and policymakers from all three provinces.
At this PCF training and the first consultative workshop for developing provincial strategic plans, we had representation from the NTP of Vietnam, CDC An Giang, TB and Lung Diseases hospital of Can Tho, and Dong Thap lung hospital. Their collective expertise helped identify gaps and opportunities in Vietnam’s TB response and create a comprehensive plan that integrates the interests and needs of affected populations.
Key Highlights
- Training on the PCF4TB approach: participants received guidance on using data-driven tools to assess TB burden at the provincial level and to develop localized action plans.
- Consultative workshop: interest-holders collaborated to analyze existing TB strategies, identify context-specific gaps, and prioritize solutions that align with local realities.
- Strengthening local ownership: the workshop emphasized the importance of empowering local decision-makers to adapt national TB strategies using an evidence-based approach that best serves their communities.
Upcoming developments
With the knowledge gained with PCF4TB, WHO’s PRIME TB and local expertise, Subnational TB Planning will be piloted in Vietnam (provinces), Ethiopia (regions) and Nigeria (states). The PCF training and first round of consultative workshop were conducted in Ethiopia and Vietnam, and in the upcoming weeks the sessions will be executed in Nigeria. Although the regional approaches vary per geopolitical distribution, learnings can be transferred and adapted to other countries, ensuring that TB programs are more inclusive, effective, and responsive to local needs.
