Ambassador Marine Visits U.S.-FUNED HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Ambassador Marine meets  with staff of the legal clinic

During his final trip to Ho Chi Minh City as U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Ambassador Michael Marine visited Vietnam’s first US-funded HIV/AIDS legal clinic on August 8.

This legal clinic, which opened in January 2007 with funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), provides legal advice and assistance to people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. During his visit, Ambassador Marine met with lawyers, counselors, and clients to discuss the function and activities of the clinic.  

 

The first of its kind in Vietnam, this legal clinic, along with a HIV/AIDS Legal Hotline based in Hanoi, have provided advice in 189 cases on a range of issues including access to treatment, access to schooling for children affected by HIV/AIDS, basic HIV/AIDS information, and referrals to other services.

 

PEPFAR in Vietnam has supported the government of Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen the HIV/AIDS legal framework since 2003.  In 2007-2008, PEPFAR will provide over $180,000 specifically to support the establishment of legal centers and legal training and awareness in focus provinces.