“The Nam Health Program is an initiative within the collaboration framework between the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV at Hanoi Medical University (CREATA-H) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). Its goal is to promote the use of HIV prevention services at the SHP Clinic (Hanoi Medical University Hospital), aiming to enhance overall knowledge on gender, sexual health, and the importance of sexual intercourse safety. The program provides education on sexual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, skills for working with communities and reaching at-risk individuals, and referral to treatment for male students in Hanoi.”
1. Organizing and Collaborating Units
The Nam Health initiative is coordinated by the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV at Hanoi Medical University, in partnership with WECARE Social Enterprise and the Faculty of Creative Writing – Journalism at Hanoi University of Culture. The program aims to nurture and support a core group of students to carry out communication activities, promoting health knowledge among male students at Hanoi University of Culture and expanding to other universities in the area.
2. Objectives and Content
The Nam Health Program focuses on providing knowledge on topics such as raising awareness on gender issues, gender diversity, and sexual orientation; sexual health and the importance of sexual safety; HIV and STI prevention; equipping students with knowledge and skills for HIV and STI prevention; community work; reaching at-risk groups; and supporting referrals when necessary. The core student team from Hanoi University of Culture participates in training sessions to gain knowledge and communication skills, becoming the pioneering force in spreading messages on health and sexual safety within the student community.
The program utilizes creative communication formats like short videos with embedded messages, photo contests, and group activities within school communities. It also enhances the use and dissemination of messages on social media platforms favored by young people.
3. Program Results and Significance
After three months of implementation, the program organized four training sessions for the Nam Health Team on topics such as HIV and STIs, gender and gender sensitivity, community outreach skills, and skills for organizing and producing health education communication products. Mr. Dau Sy Nguyen, the program coordinator, noted, “The program selected seven outstanding students from Hanoi University of Culture to form the Nam Health Team. These members participated in training, gaining knowledge and skills to implement communication activities and spread messages on gender, sexual diversity, and sexual health and safety. They then became the link to share what they learned with their communities.”
Mr. Dau Sy Nguyen, the program coordinator
After training, the Nam Health Team members planned, organized, and successfully coordinated four knowledge-sharing sessions on health through various creative and engaging formats, attracting the participation of over 400 young students from major universities in Hanoi, including the University of Foreign Trade, the University of Transport, the University of Technology, and Hanoi University of Culture.
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Within the program framework, the creative photo contest “Photovoice: PrEPared for Life” was also successfully organized, receiving more than 50 entries. Many of these entries delivered meaningful messages, promoting positive health messages among young people in Hanoi.
The program’s online communication activities reached over 6,000 social media users, demonstrating the powerful spread of effective and positive communication products created by the participating students.
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Additionally, the program has successfully reached, informed, and referred 11 young male students in Hanoi to register for PrEP and other health services at the SHP Clinic, Hanoi Medical University Hospital. This impressive number demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in increasing knowledge and access to preventive and sexual safety measures for students.
Mr. Pham Van Tam, Deputy Head of Student Affairs at Hanoi University of Culture
Mr. Pham Van Tam, Deputy Head of Student Affairs at Hanoi University of Culture, commented, “Hanoi University of Culture strongly supports health promotion programs for students, reflected in our curriculum and comprehensive health activities for students. We believe that quality programs like Nam Health will provide valuable health benefits for our students’ physical and mental well-being.”
Dr. Do Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Faculty of Creative Writing and Journalism
Dr. Do Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Faculty of Creative Writing and Journalism, emphasized, “Health communication for students is essential, especially since young students lack experience and skills to protect themselves. The Faculty of Creative Writing and Journalism is honored to collaborate with CREATA-H, WECARE Social Enterprise, and the SHP Clinic to bring positive values and improve student health within the Faculty and Hanoi University of Culture as a whole.”
Student Nguyen Duy Do, a member of the Nam Health Team
Student Nguyen Duy Do, a member of the Nam Health Team, shared, “Before participating in this program, I didn’t have much knowledge about sexual safety, especially preventive measures. After engaging in the program’s beneficial activities, I gained valuable knowledge to keep myself safe. I also feel more confident speaking in front of groups, sharing my thoughts and what I’ve learned with my friends and teachers.”
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