CCC is happy to report that we are back in Vietnam. As you may remember, CCC has visited Vietnam twice before, establishing clinics in Quang Ninh, Cam Pha, Hoanh Bo, Uong Bi, and Dong Trieu. This time, we will be establishing two clinics, the first in Mong Cai, just a few minutes walk from the China border, and the second in Hai Ha, approximately 15 miles southwest.
Upon our arrival Sunday morning, our ground partner Vu met us at the airport in Ha Noi. After 30 hours of travel, it felt great to be greeted by a warm, familiar face. Vu has been a wonderful friend to CCC since our very first visit. As a professional tour guide in Vietnam, his wealth of knowledge is vital, and because of him, our programs here have always run smoothly.
After an 8 hour drive from Ha Noi to Mong Cai, we were ready to settle in and get some rest in preparation for a busy week. On Monday morning, we woke up early and drove to Mong Cai Medical Center, where our first of 2 clinics would be established. We reunited with Dr. Dzung, the director of reproductive health care for the entire province, and Drs. Lien, To, and Ha, whom we had trained on the very first CCC mission to Vietnam. Once all of our 15 trainees arrived, we began our PowerPoint lecture, delivered by myself, Dr. Minako Watabe, and our interns Yvonne and Stephen over 2.5 hours. We were impressed to see the extensive notes being taken by the trainees and by the insight they showed during the Q&A session after the lecture.
After a short break for lunch, it was time to start seeing patients, which was when the magic happened. The trainees assembled at their stations and began screening patients as though they’d been doing it for years. The patients undressed and hopped onto the examination tables faster than any culture I’d ever worked with. The speed and efficiency was astounding. They had an understanding of the “See and Treat” procedure that is rarely seen during the first day of training. It only added to the success that the doctors who had previously trained with CCC were there lending supervision and support. I can clearly see the impact that their training has had. They are efficient and confident in their skills. After all was said and done, we had screened 119 patients, 10 of whom were VIA positive.
Tomorrow, the team will split up, with half in Mong Cai and half at our second clinic site in Hai Ha. After today’s success, I’m particularly excited for tomorrow’s clinic. Vietnam and its people have once again welcomed us with open arms, and we are so thankful to be able to give back.