Historic and Contemporary Influences on HIV Advocacy in Vietnam

HIV civil society advocacy in Vietnam is shaped by a unique fusion of historic and contemporary influences, resulting in nuanced ways in which advocacy is practised. In this study, we interviewed representatives from civil society, the Government of Vietnam, international NGOs, multilateral and research organisations and commercial consultancies to identify the influences on advocacy practice today. Aspects of Confucianism, Buddhism, Communism and changes to international funding were all identified as shaping HIV civil society policy advocacy practice directed towards government. These influences have resulted in a strong respect for hierarchy, non-confrontational and collaborative working relationships between civil society and the government, decision-making by consensus and changes in advocacy practice corresponding to fluctuations in international funding. This study shows how, as civil society continues to develop its role in the HIV sector in Vietnam, it is critical to understand these complex influences so that program designers, funders and evaluators can appropriately support HIV civil society policy advocacy.