What's New

• MAI TAM UPDATE SUMMARY 2013--2014

 Over the past months there have been changes at Mai Tam as founder John Toai was sent to Rome to continue his studies to obtain a Ph. D. A new group of managers -- Fr Joseph Phu, Fr Joseph Hoang and Fr Paul Hieu from the Camillian Order, Missionaries of the Infirm -- has been assigned three management positions. This September 2014 Fr John because of his great skills was asked to proceed to Africa to work on the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. He is there at this time

Mai Tam continues to do well, with a reduced patient/client load, for both financial reasons and governmental guidelines. More children are attending school, both public and private. There were no child deaths in this period.

The current number of orphans in Mai Tam Center is 78 (74 HIV/AIDS positive, 4 not infected), and 289 (171 HIV/AIDS positive) in the community. These numbers vary from month to month. The oldest client, a young lady, is now 21 years of age. This is great survival news yet problematic as she will need to move on to independence.

HIV/AIDS Medications: For several years Mai Tam has received a U.S. PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) grant for the purchase/receipt of drugs for the clients. This grant is due to run out in 2015. We ask that you call your congress person and ask that the grants for Mai Tam be continued -- the problem is not over.

Education: With critical survival parameters in place, i.e. medicines, medical care, food, accommodation and love, the need for education is the priority with these children now growing up. This is being provided through private sector and public sector approaches.

The Psychology of Care: As the clients are maturing, the concern now is “themselves” -- how they perceive themselves as individuals, worthy of love, as persons who can take care of themselves. These are new challenges to be faced.

Adolescents: Mai Tam will soon reach 10 years of service to the community. Children have survived the disease through medicines, love, compassion and mercy. A separate living facility is now provided for the adolescents.

Adoption Opportunities: One U.S. donor has agreed to fund one child in the Center through to adulthood, paying for basic needs and education. He has also paid for an infected mother to carry her baby to term and then to come to Mai Tam where the donor will support this infant.

Gary's House: This is an additional facility/activity which is less demanding but critical to Saigon society. It provides for the short term needs of pediatric cancer patients post surgery.

Mortality in 2013: Children 0.0%, Mothers 3.8% (1/26)

Donations: Total donations sent in 2013 were $16,510, with additional late arriving funds transferred in 2014, $23,228.00. We expect additional donations in 2014.

click on Mai Tam Update 2013 -2014 for full report

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