Press Release: Clinton Foundation Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam to Partner in Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Agreement Will Provide Free Drugs for 1,000 Children and Increase Access to Cheaper Tests.

The Clinton Foundation yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Viet Nam to partner in scaling up the national plan for care and treatment to people living with HIV/AIDS in Viet Nam.

The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative will work with the Viet Nam Association of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC), launching their program in Viet Nam by sponsoring ARV treatment for 1,000 children living with HIV/AIDS. The program will also focus on providing technical assistance as the government of Viet Nam implements their National Strategy, including providing training to HIV/AIDS doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.

The agreement will give Viet Nam access to the Clinton Foundation’s reduced prices for ARV drugs and diagnostic testing supplies, with an initial focus on donating pediatric ARVs. Over fifty countries worldwide have access to the cheaper prices, which the Clinton Foundation announced in 2003.

Speaking of the agreement, President Clinton said, “I am pleased that my Foundation is helping Viet Nam fight HIV/AIDS. Southeastern Asia is facing a burgeoning AIDS crisis and I applaud the government of Viet Nam for their efforts to combat the problem.”

HIV/AIDS is spreading particularly aggressively in Southeastern Asia. In Viet Nam, the number of new HIV infections has doubled since 2000. It is estimated that over 263,000 people in Viet Nam are currently living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are injection drug users or sex workers. The government of Viet Nam has responded aggressively to the situation. In March 2004, the Prime Minister announced the National Strategy on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control, paving the way for all sectors of society to mobilize against HIV/AIDS.

The Clinton Foundation will work with international organizations like PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund to ensure the highest possible level of care is made available to people living with HIV/AIDS in Viet Nam.

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