   
Hepatitis B is a serious, life-threatening viral infection that attacks the liver. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) potentially causes lifelong infection, liver cancer and death. It is usually transmitted through blood during birthing process when the virus is passed from an infected mother to her newborn. The babies who are at risk can carry the virus for a long time, and may infect their future spouses and children. HBV is a silent, transmittable disease that can be more infectious than the AIDS virus..
For the spread of HBV in Vietnam, the most common cause is the blood transmission from an infected mother to her newborn that transpires while giving birth. Due to the poor healthcare system in Vietnam, most mothers who are infected with the virus are not informed and as a result, can unknowingly pass the virus to her newborn. Based on many published medical researches, 30% of the entire Vietnamese populations have been infected with HBV. Sadly, 20,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese children are dying annually due to the HBV infection.
Recognizing the deadly threat, the Vietnamese government has provided free vaccinations to new born children nation wide in the larger cities started in year 2003. Based on estimation, only 20% of the children received Hepatitis B vaccines. Most disadvantaged children who live in remote cities or rural villages are more likely to get infected due to environmental conditions, ease of viral transmission, and lack of medical resources available to prevent further viral infection. Most families in the rural areas are unable to afford the expensive cost of traveling to the city for vaccinations. Want to Help? Click Here
In the Central areas, there are approximately 1.1 million people, including 565,000 females and 330,000 children. Starting in 2005 ACWP has partnered with Hue Medical University to extend the healthcare services to underprivileged children in the rural areas around City of Hue, located in Central Vietnam. ACWP’s focus is to provide Hepatitis B preventive care for these children between the ages of 5-10 years old, who are more likely to spread the virus when they reach the motherhood. Thus, the VaKC program will offer an immediate response to the dangerous outbreak of HBV.
SolutionIn 2005, ACWP held a private fundraising event for the needed monetary support to implement this critical project. Over $6,000 USD for VaKC Campaign was raised to kick off the Vaccination for Kids Campaign. Consequently, a total of 672 children were tested and vaccinated in early 2005. The vaccination can be administered a 3 dose- schedule over a period of 6 months. This includes the first dose at elected date, the second dose at 1 month later, and the third dose 6th month from the first dose. After receiving 3 series of injections, 397 children are now immune from Hepatitis B.
In the second year of VaKC implementation, ACWP continued its success in reaching out to 300 students at Tay Loc, Thuy An, and Phu Hau schools. The 1st pre-tests were completed in November. ACWP greatly appreciates the generous donation $1,428 USD dedicated to VaKC program from the personal fundraising efforts and savings from summer job of a high-school student, Mindy Chu.
Earlier this year, 2007, Action to End Exploitation, a Canadian based not-for-profit organization working in the field of human trafficking, has joined with ACWP for the continued implementation of the Hue Vaccination program. The collaboration will reduce the risk to another 200 students.
FactsThere are about 230 elementary schools in Hue and the suburb around the city. Each school might have between 8 and 10 classes with students’ age ranging from 6 to 10 years old. Approximately all of 92,000 children are in need for Hepatitis B vaccination. Educating the rural communities about Hepatitis B is another approach in prevention under the VaKC. Want to Help? Click Here
Did you Know...For about $18 USD*, a child will receive a VaKC sponsorship which includes Pre-blood test, vaccination (3 series of injections), and Post-blood test. Other underlying costs may include transportation, equipment and food are covered by ACWP’s monthly visit from Mobile Health Care program. Want to Help? Click Here If you are a doctor, healthcare professional or medical student and would like to volunteer your time and expertise, please contact us at
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to see how you can help in the Vaccination for Kids Campaign Program. *Cost are provided as estimates; varies per City, year of construction, and local ordinances.
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