Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $206,326 Project Grant from the Fogarty International Center (FIC) under the International Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.989), effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029. The award funds the development and implementation of the DONGHANH intervention, a culturally adapted stigma-reduction program designed for men who have sex with men (MSM) and healthcare providers in Vietnam. The project will culturally adapt the evidence-based FRESH (Finding Respect and Ending Stigma around HIV) intervention using the ADAPT-ITT framework, incorporating qualitative research findings from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to create a locally tailored version. Deliverables include workshop-based stigma-reduction training materials, an e-learning module (website) for convenient participant access and ongoing learning, and collaborative community-based stigma reduction strategies developed by participants for implementation in their respective communities.

The three-phase project directly addresses the rising HIV prevalence among Vietnamese MSM (increasing from 6.6% in 2015 to 12.5% in 2023) by targeting persistent intersectional stigmatization that has created barriers to healthcare access and HIV prevention services. Phase I focuses on intervention adaptation; Phase II will employ a randomized controlled design to evaluate intervention efficacy. Through this work, the University of Pittsburgh will deliver a sustainable, culturally appropriate intervention package that strengthens the capacity of both healthcare providers and affected communities to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in a low- and middle-income country setting.