The Vietnam Project
The BCCDC in cooperation with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) formed the Vietnam HIV/AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Community Clinics Network Project (HCCN) in 2004.
This innovative project aims to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam by strengthening that country's national HIV/AIDS/STI program.
The HCCN follows the success of an earlier BCCDC-led effort in Vietnam which focused on the reduction of HIV in sex workers through the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of other STIs.
Background
- Before the start of the HCCN, Vietnam experienced a rapid increase in HIV and STI infection rates in Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam
- While not a generalized epidemic, the prevalence of HIV in Vietnam is very high among injection drug users, female sex workers and male sex workers
- Many injection drug users, female sex workers and male sex workers are poorly educated about HIV transmission
Outcomes
- The establishment of up to 12 STI/HIV/AIDS clinics and outreach services in southern Vietnam over two years
- The establishment of a local project office with four full time Vietnamese staff
- The training of 50 local workers on disease prevention and harm reduction
- Provide essential lab equipment such as microscopes, incubators, refrigerators and sterilizers
Last Updated: July 19, 2010
