Latest Foreign Assistance Briefs

- U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear visited the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) on January 8 to donate blood and encourage others to help save lives by giving the gift of blood before the upcoming Tet holiday.  The Ambassador's donation aims to raise awareness of the critical blood and blood component shortages that NIHBT experiences during Tet because of increased traffic accidents and other emergency cases.  Ambassador Shear noted that the U.S. Embassy Hanoi “Tet Gift” Blood Drive on January 11 will help meet this increased demand for blood. (U.S. Embassy Press Release Jan 10)
- Doctor Bernard Beahrel from France successfully conducted heart surgery at the Danang-based Fortis-Hoan My hospital on Jan 8. The French cardiologist, who also donated two heart valves to the patient and brought other necessary equipment to the hospital, is the dean of the cardiovascular faculty from Robert Debre University Hospital in Reims. He plans to give surgeries to four other patients during his seven-day working trip to Danang. (Vietnam News Jan 10)
- The Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP) and the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Safety Committee presented more than 2,900 bike helmets to pupils from four primary schools at an event on Dec 9. The four schools, Tran Nhan On, Tran Van On, Pham Van Chieu and Anh Duong, are located on roads that have a high rate of accidents, and had expressed concern that less than 30 percent of their students were wearing helmets, many of which were poor quality. AIP Executive Director Mirjam Sidik said that while more than 90% of adults in Vietnam use helmets while driving motorbikes, only 20 percent of children aged between 6-12 wear them. In addition to various educational activities to raise public awareness, the program will help protect children as they now can use high quality helmets. (vov.vn Jan 9)