The Local Health System Sustainability (LHSS) Project in Vietnam supports the goals of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of Vietnam in efforts to advance local ownership of human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control efforts with the ultimate goal of supporting the country’s commitment to end HIV and TB by 2030.

Banyan Global led efforts to ensure the integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in country-level policies and practices. To achieve this, Banyan Global conducted a baseline GESI analysis and action plan outlining practical actions that can be applied to project activities. The analysis includes information on GESI considerations in health spending including gender-responsive budgeting, opportunities to reach key populations through social contracting with civil society organizations, and incorporating sex-disaggregated data. Finally, to promote sustainability, Banyan Global incorporated GESI into annual Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plans.

Banyan Global is a subcontractor to Abt Associates on the $209 million, five-year USAID-funded LHSS project under the Integrated Health Systems award that works globally in up to 52 countries to strengthen their health systems as a means to achieve universal health coverage and improve population health and well-being. With an eye toward empowering countries to transition away from donor support, the project is strengthening the capacity of local organizations to lead implementation. Banyan Global is responsible for providing technical assistance to increase financial protection, population coverage, and service coverage of quality essential services. Banyan Global also leads work to increase private investment in the health sector and to promote gender integration and social inclusion.