ĐÀ NẴNG — Irish Aid, in co-operation with the central city of Đà Nẵng, has signed an agreement for a project described as strengthening the capacity and sustainability of early childhood disabilities detection and intervention for the next three years with funds totalling VNĐ18 billion (about US$796,000).

The city’s Department of Foreign Affairs said the agreement, signed last weekend, would help screen new-born babies and intervene on children with disabilities, and those that need intervention surgery.

It said the project, which was implemented at three districts – Cẩm Lệ, Liên Chiểu and Hòa Vang - in 2012-16, had provided rehabilitation, special education, medical examination and surgery to 349 children.

More than 500 medical staff, specialists and rehabilitation lecturers have joined project training sessions run by the Sustainable Health Development Centre (VietHealth).

Since 2008, Irish Aid and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have sponsored the Support Network for People with Disabilities in Đà Nẵng City by providing rehabilitation services and scholarships for poor children with disabilities.

Last year, the city and the Irish Embassy in Việt Nam also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on high quality, human-resource education and management skills for city personnel and start-up programmes for students in the city.

The agreement also aims to boost the relationship between Ireland and the city - and exchanges among locals and cities in Ireland. — VNS