The US Mission to Vietnam is seeking concept papers from local public, non-profit organisations and civil society groups interested in designing and implementing small activities for HIV/AIDS public diplomacy and outreach communication in 2010.

According to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Hanoi on June 23, the funding for these activities is supported by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Vietnam .

Selected activities will serve to expand public awareness of PEPFAR programmes in particular and to increase awareness of HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in Vietnam in general, said the press release.

Priority will be given to activities related to World AIDS Day (December 1), Vietnam ’s national action month for HIV/AIDS prevention and control 2010 (late November to early December), and commemorating 20 years of the fight against HIV.

Concept papers which identify activities to promote sustainability in HIV programming, profile civil society organisations, and reduce discrimination against people living with HIV will receive special consideration.

Since 2004, the US has provided more than 400 million USD for programmes in Vietnam through PEPFAR./.