MOTIVATE Continues Its Work With The Ministry Of Health Of The Socialist Republic Of Vietnam

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 29 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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MOTIVATE -- a global partnership between Ramsell and Sojitz -- and the Ministry of Health of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, AIDS Committee Ho Chi Minh City sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting up the fundamental principles for the collaboration between the AIDS Committee Ho Chi Minh City and MOTIVATE in their effort to implement integrated HIV/AIDS program/projects focused on prevention, treatment and care. Based on the original MOU signed in September 2007 with the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) this second MOU focuses on HIV/AIDS issues in Ho Chi Minh City.

HIV/AIDS in Vietnam

The Ministry of Health of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam reports that as of November 2006 there are cumulatively 116,240 HIV infected cases nationwide, of which 20,151 had progressed to AIDS. The MOH also projects that by the year 2010, Vietnam will have about 311,500 people infected with HIV and about 72,970 patients in need of anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment.

The Vietnamese government's ongoing programs to develop and implement a social health care infrastructure, education and prevention program must effectively address the HIV/AIDS issue.

Background Of Initiative

Sojitz and Ramsell in a U.S.-Japan Public Private Partnership, launched its Vietnam health care initiative in June 2006 with regard to the country's need to develop and implement a sustainable healthcare infrastructure and an education and prevention program addressing the HIV/AIDS issue. Through their global partnership, Ramsell and Sojitz jointly created MOTIVATE (Mobile health Treatment Initiative for Vietnam Awareness, Technology and Education) to facilitate the mobile healthcare concept.

Progress

In addition to their work with the MOH VAAC researching and defining a mobile healthcare clinic concept, the mobile healthcare unit designed to provide a simple, low-cost method to access at-risk individuals in their communities, MOTIVATE has also worked with the AIDS Committee Ho Chi Minh City to address HIV/AIDS issues in Ho Chi Minh City. On November 13, 2007 the AIDS Committee Ho Chi Minh City and MOTIVATE signed a MOU setting up the fundamental principles for collaboration between the AIDS Committee Ho Chi Minh City and MOTIVATE in their effort to implement integrated HIV/AIDS programs/projects focused on prevention, treatment and care through awareness, education, technology, prevention and treatment. This second MOU supplements the original MOU between VAAC and MOTIVATE, implementing a pilot program in each of three provinces in the north, central and southern regions.

The MOTIVATE team met with the US Ambassador Michael Michalak and Japanese Ambassador Norio Hattori. Both ambassadors endorsed and encouraged the MOTIVATE initiative. MOTIVATE also had the opportunity to discuss this initiative with Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell who also expressed interest and encouragement. MOTIVATE will actively pursue funding opportunities in the form of grants, federal funding, donations, and cash-in-kind contributions from both the public and private sectors. Once the funding and resources are identified from a variety of donors with an approved program design, the AIDS Committee Ho Chi Minh City and MOTIVATE will sign project contracts, specifying the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Partner Background

MOTIVATE

Mobile health Treatment Initiative for Vietnam Awareness, Technology and Education was formed in July 2007 through the global partnership of Ramsell International and Sojitz.

Ramsell International, LLC

Ramsell International is held by Ramsell Holding Corporation, a group of companies, including Public Health Service Bureau (PHSB), with over 30 years of experience in Public Health.

Sojitz

Sojitz Group, formerly known as Nissho Iwai and Nichimen, is an experienced trading company that maintains 99 liaison and branch offices on all seven continents. With over $54 billion in annual trade transactions, it is one of the largest global trading firms in the world. Nissho Iwai was the first company in the Western alliance to establish operations in Vietnam after the war, and in December 2006 Sojitz celebrated its 20-year anniversary in Hanoi of continued cooperation and friendship.

Mobile health Treatment Initiative for Vietnam Awareness, Technology and Education