United States Supports New Orthopaedic Facility In Hoa Binh Province

November 27, 2007

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF), has provided the support to open a new orthopaedic workshop in Hoa Binh province.  The new orthopaedic workshop was built with financial support from USAID, Boeing and VVAF, and significant technical advice from VVAF on the facility's design. In addition, VVAF provided all machinery, equipment and tools, as well as materials needed to produce orthotic devices. As a result of the establishment of this workshop, people with disabilities will receive needed orthotic devices and will be able to return for follow-up treatment - checking, repairing or recasting of their prosthetic or orthotic devices. This workshop plays an important role in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families living in Hoa Binh.   At the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan Aloisi said, "I am pleased the U.S. Government and the people of Hoa Binh are able to collaborate on this project and look forward to our continued cooperation in supporting people with disabilities."

Hoa Binh is one of five provinces implementing VVAF’s physical rehabilitation program and also the final province to receive the support of USAID and VVAF to built orthopaedic workshops from 2006 to 2008. With this support, hundreds of mobility impaired people have received rehabilitation services (orthotic devices, wheelchairs, physiotherapy treatment etc.) through mobile outreach missions conducted by Bach Mai Hospital and National Hospital of Pediatrics to Hoa Binh General Hospital. In addition, rehabilitation staff including doctors, physiotherapists, orthopedic technicians, and health workers at provincial, district and commune levels have had the opportunity to attend specialized training in physical rehabilitation.

Since 1994, the U.S. Government has spent over $43 million in Vietnam on projects designed to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.