A delegation from IrishAid, Viet Nams' National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and East Meets West Foundation at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new blood born virus lab in Hanoi

Hanoi, March 17, 2008: The first sophisticated laboratory that will combine European standard technology with a simple methodology to test blood born viruses broke ground today in Hanoi. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new laboratory, part of Ireland-Viet Nam Blood-borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), took place at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The event welcomed H.E. Mr. Brian Cowen, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

The $5 million IVVI project is a partnership initiative between the University College Dublin (UCD) and NIHE, co-funded by Irish Aids and the Atlantic Philanthropies. The project brings Irish expertise to help build institutional capacity and infrastructure within Viet Nam for clinical and diagnostic virology which will in turn help develop public health policies in the country.

“Viet Nam and Ireland are rapidly developing a long lasting and solid friendship, one which we can celebrate today. Last week your Prime Minister visited the partner institute of this facility in Dublin; today, I am delighted to be in Ha Noi to take part in the opening of a first class facility bringing lasting health benefits to the whole region," said HE. Mr. Brian Cowen at the ceremony.

With extensive 20-year experience working in Vietnam, East Meets West Foundation will be responsible for the construction of the building. It will contain seven distinct fully equipped laboratories which will be accredited to the highest European standards.

“East Meets West has worked for twenty years in Vietnam, side by side with our counterparts, to help improve the Vietnamese medical system. Our mission, like that of NIHE, is to assist the people of Vietnam to live healthier lives. We will use our expertise in building hospitals to bring the lab into the highest European standards," said Mr. John Anner, EMW's Executive Director.

To find out more about this project or any EMW news, contact the Communications Department at info@eastmeetswest.org.