HÀ NỘI – A US$300,000 agreement has been signed for improving the hygiene and sanitary conditions of 15,000 women and girls in 7,500 poor and near-poor households in Việt Nam.

The project will be implemented in six drought-stricken districts in Central Highlands and Mekong Delta provinces.

Under the agreement signed by the government of the Republic of Korea and UN Women, the funds will be used to prevent the spread of diarrhoea, dysentery, hand, foot and mouth diseases, and dengue, besides skin diseases by donating supplies and raising awareness about the importance of sanitation and good nutrition for women. The grant will also support income-generating activities.

Shoko Ishikawa, UN Women country representative in Việt Nam, said, “This grant helps us deliver essential items such as soap and sanitary products to women in the drought-affected areas to maintain their hygiene and of their families. These supplies will prevent diseases and help women and their families stay healthy.”

South Korean ambassador to Việt Nam, Lee Hyuk, said, "In line with the government’s initiative for Better Life for Girls, we hope the support will have a meaningful impact in improving the sanitary conditions and hygiene of women and girls in the drought-affected areas and in reducing the risk of secondary effects such as disease outbreaks.”

South Korea would continue to support efforts to address climate change in Việt Nam, such as by sharing experiences and knowledge on sustainable environment and climate policies, he said.

As a result of the El Nino weather phenomenon, provinces in the central and the Central Highlands regions of the country have been experiencing severe drought since the beginning of 2016. 

Two million people, including one million women and 520,000 children, face hardship in accessing water, lack sanitation and hygiene and require urgent humanitarian assistance, according to UN Women.

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation has increased health risks, particularly for women. Due to the impact of drought and saltwater intrusion, women spend an additional two to three hours collecting water for their families.

 In addition to the Korean grant, UN Women also received US$400,000 from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support 20,000 women and girls in the drought-affected provinces.

In March this year, the government of Việt Nam asked for assistance as 18 of its 63 provinces suffered from the worst drought in more than 60 years. The Mekong Delta, south-central and Central Highlands regions are the areas worst-affected by salt intrusion and water scarcity. 

The government of Việt Nam, the United Nations and partners have appealed to the international community to support a US$48.5-million emergency plan to respond to the humanitarian situation. – VNS