Vietnam

We have worked with local organisations in Vietnam since 1997 to:

  • help groups raise money and set up projects such as community clubs
  • improve older people's income security
  • make sure more older people get healthcare
  • improve the care people get at home
  • fight HIV and AIDS.
  • Drive forward policies that protect older people's rights.

We also work closely with the Vietnamese Government to improve policies that affect older people.

The difference we made in 2010-2011

We provided technical support so that our partners could:

  • Establish 160 community clubs in North Central Vietnam that strengthen community links and help older people support each other.
  • Provide livelihood training to the club management boards so they can help club members increase their income security.
  • Provide health training to the club management boards so they can educate club members on how to prevent and treat common illnesses, and help them access existing health programs.
  • Provide the clubs with funds for revolving loans programs so club members who cannot access credit from other sources can borrow money to invest in income generating activities.
  • Work with the government to approve a new health policy that subsidises 50% of the costs of health insurance for poorer households.

The difference we made in recent years

  • We advocated for the ‘Law for the Elderly' which has been approved. The law focuses on older people's issues such as social protection, health, access to information, participation, inclusion, rights and violation.
  • Together with our local partners, we provided emergency cash grants to 1,000 families affected by typhoon Ketsana.
  • A proposal to create 320 community clubs in North Central Vietnam has been approved and will be funded by Atlantic Philanthropies, a major donor from the US.

What next?

  • Through advocacy and awareness raising activities, we will increase the number of older people accessing old age pensions.
  • We will help older people and their families increase their income and food security.
  • We will introduce at least two new projects to promote self-care and home care activities, which will benefit at least 20,000 older people.
  • We will help communities become better prepared for natural disasters.

Our partners

Vietnam Women's Union (VWU), Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE), The Research Centre for Ageing Support (RECAS)

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