IOM has welcomed the opening of a new mycobacterium TB laboratory
at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to screen US-bound
immigrants for tuberculosis and contribute to the eradication of
the disease in Viet Nam.

The facility, set up in the Medical Visa Department of one of
the largest hospitals in Viet Nam, with technical support from IOM
and funding from the Cho Ray Hospital–US migrant self-payers
programme, will initially analyze some 450 specimens a month for US
immigrant health assessments. It will also be used to screen Cho
Ray in-patients and out-patients for TB, and also cultures from
other hospitals in the city.

The official opening of the lab this week follows lengthy
preparations to ensure high quality standards. IOM provided
training, equipment and seconded international staff to the lab.
Cho Ray staff also visited an IOM TB lab in Thailand used for
screening refugees.

In February this year, IOM Ho Chi Minh City and Cho Ray Hospital
began implementing the US government's new Technical Instructions
for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment for US-bound migrants.
Over 1,000 people examined by sputum culture to date were found to
have suspicious x-rays, of whom 12 per cent subsequently required
TB treatment.

"This lab will help to meet growing demand for TB detection in
Viet Nam and we are delighted that its services will be available
not only to US-bound migrants, but also to Cho Ray Hospital
patients," said IOM Viet Nam Chief of Mission Andy Bruce.

For more information please contact:

Ray Zanda

IOM HCMC

Tel. (84-8) 822 2057 Ext: 132

Mobile: (84) 0939 170374

E-mail: "mailto:rzanda@iom.int">rzanda@iom.int