History of MSAVLC

The Beggining

The Medical Aid Committee for Vietnam, the forerunner of Medical and Scientific Aid for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, resulted from the visit to Hanoi of a London doctor, Joan McMichael, in early 1965. In Hanoi Joan learned of the terrific suffering of the people of the south of the country as a consequence of shortage of medicines and surgical equipment. She contacted as many humanitarian doctors and other individuals as she could, and in June 1965, at a meeting in the House of Commons, MACV was established.

Within a few weeks, more than 100 persons prominent in Academia, Churches, Medicine, Politics, the Arts and the Trade Unions, became sponsors. Campaigns such as live artistic performances and art exhibitions throughout the 60’s and 70’s provided funding for many projects providing aid for the people of Vietnam. At one point, MACV ran a blood donation campaign, and by the end of 1971, 6,567 pints of blood had been flown to those who needed it.

Becoming A Registered Charity

MACV became a registered charity in 1967. In 1979, it was suggested that the constitution be revised to reflect the fact that aid was being given to Laos and Kampuchea (as Cambodia was then known) and that a post-graduate scholarship for a medical scientist had been established at the North-East Wales Institute. This was agreed and, after some discussion with the Charity Commission, a new constitution was established, with the original organisational structure remaining.

1980 To Today, Exclusively run by volunteers

Since 1980, the charity has been run exclusively by volunteers. It operates with an Executive Committee, which meets every six weeks, and a Management Committee which meets once a year for the AGM at the House of Commons.