Latest Foreign Assistance Briefs

- The U.S. CDC’s Animal-Human Interface Initiative/Influenza Program (AHI/IP) in Vietnam and the Department of Animal Health (DAH) of the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), on September 12th established a new Cooperative Agreement (Co-Ag) Grant. Accordingly, the Co-Ag will provide $0.4 million annually from fiscal year 2012 for a period of 5 years, totaling $2 million. (www.qdnd.vn Sept 13)

- Coca-Cola Vietnam has just handed over a tap-water supply project for Dang Thi Ranh Primary School in HCMC’s Thu Duc District on the occasion of the new school year, which is part of the company’s “Clean Water for Communities” program. Under this program, Coca-Cola Vietnam has set aside nearly VND6 billion to develop clean-water facilities for people in Khanh Hoa, Hanoi, Danang and HCMC this year. Specifically, in coordination with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT), Coca-Cola has invested nearly VND3.2 billion to develop the pipeline network supplying water for poor households in three communes of Cam Ranh Town, Khanh Hoa Province. Besides, nearly VND2.8 billion will be given to the Center for Research Family Health and Community to conduct a project of bringing clean water to people living in Thuong Tin District in Hanoi, Hoa Vang District in Danang and Thu Duc District in HCMC. These projects also aim to raise the awareness of communities of conserving water resources. There have been nearly 40,000 Vietnamese people benefiting from the “Clean Water for Communities” program sponsored by Coca-Cola since 2004. (english.thesaigontimes.vn Sept 13)

- The 12th annual Fun Run for charity will be held on September 30 at HCM City's Phu My Hung Urban Area in District 7. The event, endorsed by the British Business Group Vietnam, aims to attract about 8,000 people and raise VND867 million ($42,000) that will be donated to charity organizations in Vietnam. Since its launch in 2000, the event has raised a total of VND4.8 billion in 11 editions. (Vietnam News Sept 12)

- East Meets West Foundation (EMW) this month will join hands with its partners to hold two runs to raise awareness of social integration of the disabled, as well as to raise funds for the integrated sports program conducted by EMW in the central province of Quang Tri. The first run, Inspirerun, organized by EMW and Hanoi Hash House Harriers (HHHH), will cover a distance of 18 km, consisting of a 12km run and 6km jog. It is expected that over 100 people will join this event to be held on September 22 at 3 p.m. at Co Loa rampart in Dong Anh District, Hanoi. Another run will be held by EMW and Sporting Republic Company at Keangnam Landmark 2 on September 30. Participants have to conquer a 350m-tall tower with 1,914 steps, with cash prizes of $300 to $1,500 up for grabs. This contest attracts Suzy Walsham from Australia, who is the three-time winner of the Empire State Building run-up in New York. (thesaigontimes.vn Sept 10)

- Toshiba granted the first batch of its 2012-2013 academic year scholarships to Vietnamese graduate students at the Hanoi National University on September 7th. This was the 8th year, the Japanese Corporation had granted scholarships to Vietnamese students at the university. 22 scholarships worth JPY 15 million were offered to Vietnamese students studying in natural sciences, technology and economics. (www.qdnd.vn Sept 9)