PRESS RELEASE

December 4, 2006

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Marine joins “For the Love of Life” Event

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Marine joined Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung and other members of the Vietnamese Government to participate in the “For the Love of Life” Event which was held on Sunday, December 3, 2006 in Hanoi for the commemoration of World AIDS Day, the International Day of Disabled Persons, and International Volunteers’ Day.

"Today, we are mindful of friends, family members and colleagues who have a disability.  Today, our thoughts go to those living with HIV in Vietnam and around the world.  Today, we are grateful for volunteers who donate their time, their work, and their compassion to make a difference," Ambassador Marine said at the event.

The Ambassador said since 1992, the United States has provided over $35 million to support people with disabilities living in Vietnam, and through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, the United States has worked closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and local and international partners to prevent HIV transmission and to provide care and treatment to those living with HIV/AIDS.  The Ambassador stressed that the partnership has prevented countless infections and in addition, nearly 4,000 Vietnamese currently receive donated ARV drugs.

Each December, Vietnamese organizations for people with disabilities hold a joint celebration in honor of World AIDS Day (Dec.1), International Day of Disabled Persons (Dec. 3) and International Volunteers’ Day (Dec. 5).

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