Vietnam

Started in 2007, today the Oblate Mission in Vietnam counts 35 professed members and almost as many candidates, all Vietnamese.  The personnel (priests, brothers and candidates) include one medical doctor and several fully trained nurses and paramedics.

The Oblates manage an orphanage in the Binh Duong Province, a Center of Retreats in Vung Tau, and several mission stations in the poorest mountain areas in Ban Me Thuot Diocese.

The suburban area of Ho Chi Minh City has an uncontrolled increase of population, migrants from the countryside.  Poor housing, lack of hygiene and education, and other problems are causing the spread of HIV/AIDS.  There is no health facility in the area to take care of this population of about 50,000 persons.   Responding to these needs, the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh has requested the Oblates to build and open a Health Care Center in the area.

The Center will serve people from the neighborhood and beyond for consultation and prevention of HIV/AIDS.  It will also provide medical and paramedical care onsite and at home, and will receive patients with no families or whose families are unable to respond for palliative care and end of life support.  Fencing and serving of the locale has already started.  The Partnership is providing advice for funding in the form of grant applications.

Note:  Up to August 2012, the Missionary Oblates are no longer involved in this project.