A client from the CDC-supported port district health center talks about how his life has turned around since signing up for the methadone maintenance program and starting anti-retroviral therapy.

Vietnam's HIV programs moving into unchartered waters, but still saving lives

October 28, 2012

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) VIETNAM – Before Linh joined the Ho Chi Minh City Health Center his life was spiraling out of control -- he used drugs daily, was unemployed and his health was deteriorating rapidly.

But his fortune took a turn when his friends told him about the local CCSC. Reluctant at first, Linh finally took the plunge and signed up for the Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) program. After a challenging period of withdrawal, he stopped using heroin.

As part of the MMT program Linh was also tested for HIV, which is commonly spread by injecting drug users who share dirty needles.

The news was devastating: Linh had tested HIV positive.

Global experts and Asia-Pacific based health professionals working in HIV surveillance met in Siem Reap to discuss the best ways to monitor and analyze HIV data to ensure the best strategies to control the HIV epidemic across the region.

Global Experts Join Forces for Improved HIV Surveillance in Asia-Pacific Region

June 28, 2012

SIEM REAP, Cambodia — On June 4-8 Asia’s third HIV Surveillance Workshop was held in the northwestern city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The theme for this year’s workshop was Challenges and Successes in Monitoring the HIV Epidemic - The Asia Experience, and brought together 65 public health professionals from 14 Asian-Pacific countries and global experts in HIV surveillance.

Vice director of the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Prevention andControl, Associate Professor Bui Duc Duong, talks about the critical issuesfacing clinicians working in HIV/AIDS in Vietnam at this landmark meeting. — Vice director of the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Prevention and
Control, Associate Professor Bui Duc Duong, talks about the critical issues
facing clinicians working in HIV/AIDS in Vietnam at this landmark meeting.

CDC Supports First Society on Clinical HIV/AIDS in Vietnam

October 28, 2011

HANOI – On June 7-8, the Vietnam Clinical HIV/AIDS Society (VCHAS) held its first meeting, at Hanoi’s International Conference Center. Attended by key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, international organizations, national and provincial hospitals, and HIV/AIDS centers, and frontline clinicians who deliver care to patients with HIV, the meeting marked the launch of Vietnam’s first professional, not-for-profit organization representing the country’s clinical HIV/AIDS sector.

With CDC support local staff now work at labs operating at international standards ensuring more reliable testing and diagnosis, which strengthens Vietnam’s healthcare system.

CDC and FHI 360 Support Vietnamese Laboratories to Operate at International Standards

April 28, 2011

HUE, Vietnam — In early April Hue Central Hospital celebrated attaining the ISO 15189 International Accreditation Standards for its Microbiology Laboratory, with an official ceremony attended by hospital staff, representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Family Health International (FHI360), and delegates from the Vietnamese Government.

This ISO accreditation marks a big step forward for Vietnam’s healthcare system, breaking new ground in quality laboratory management.