DATE: 28 May 2009
SUBJECT: Development Cooperation; Health; HIV/AIDS
Australian Government supports International Children’s Day activities for HIV/AIDS affected children in Bac Ninh province
What: The Australian Government will sponsor one day of International Children’s Day activities on 1 June in Bac Ninh province for 80 HIV/AIDS infected children and children of infected parents, organised by The Bright Future Group. The purpose of the day is to create a meaningful playground for the children and integrate them into the community, minimising stigmatisation and discrimination against HIV/AIDS sufferers, particularly children.
The activity is one part of an Australian Government-sponsored program with The Bright Futures Group, aimed at increasing social inclusion of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDs through awareness raising for local decision makers and communities, skills building for care givers, and direct support to HIV/AIDS infected children.
The Bright Futures Group received VND78,300,000 for this project through the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program. This year, the Direct Aid Program will provide over VND1.2 billion for eleven small community-based projects in northern Vietnam. This is in addition to Australia’s approximately VND1456 billion development cooperation program with the Vietnam Government. This includes more than VND132 billion for HIV/AIDs programs.
When: 0830-1100, Monday 1 June 2009
Where: Cultural House, No 90, Group 2, Ninh Xa ward, Bac Ninh City, Bac Ninh Province.
Media are welcome to attend this event. Michael Hoy, Political Officer, will represent the Australian Embassy.