PRESS RELEASE

November 6, 2006

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Praises Project Vietnam Health Volunteers

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Marine attended a reception held on November 4 in Hanoi to welcome a visit by the Project Vietnam Medical Mission Team 2006.  Ambassador Marine highlighted the strong friendship and partnership between the United States and Vietnam and applauded Project Vietnam for acting as a bridge between the two countries.

The Project Vietnam Medical Mission Team 2006 is sponsored by the California Chapter 4 American Academy of Pediatrics and the Vietnamese American Non-Governmental Organization Network.  This non-profit humanitarian program has provided healthcare assistance to children at-risk and to poor rural communities in Vietnam since 1996 in over 28 provinces.

Participating in the current trip to Vietnam are over 80 volunteers from U.S. teaching institutions and children hospitals, including nurses, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, and heath workers.  They have visited Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang to conduct medical clinics and training seminars.  “The training provided during this trip which focuses on prevention of childbirth-associated complications will save lives,” Ambassador Marine told the health workers.  “Your dedication and energy demonstrate yet again that U.S.-Vietnamese cooperation is vibrant and mutually rewarding."

Ambassador Marine also commended the efforts of Vietnamese-Americans who have returned here to participate in humanitarian work.  Speaking of their special connection to both countries, the Ambassador observed, “Your role in serving as this bridge is important, more than ever, as our bilateral relations continue to develop in a positive path.”  

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