The rainy season brings with it the increased threat of diseases through infections caused by bacteria found in contaminated soil and water between July and November, and so far this year, the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Hà Nội-based Bạch Mai Hospital has received 20 cases of Whitmore's Disease.

HCM City will waive fees for secondary school students from the next academic year if it can balance its budget without collecting them, according to Party Committee Secretary Nguyễn Thiện Nhân.

At least 10 per cent of investment capital in rural areas should be spent on improving clean water supplies.

 Enhancing safety and capacity are the top priorities for the railway sector as it receives a much-needed package of VNĐ7 trillion (US$301 million) from the State budget.

The People’s Committee of Trà Vinh Province in the Mekong Delta has approved a plan to invest VNĐ2.3 billion (US$98,669) to protect intensive and semi-intensive shrimp farms from disease in Cầu Ngang, Duyên Hải, Trà Cú and Châu Thành districts.

Residents must work closely with medical workers to prevent and control epidemics in areas where flood waters have been lingering in Chương Mỹ District for more than 10 days.

The People’s Committee of the southernmost province of Cà Mau has asked the Government to provide VNĐ300 billion (US$12.7 million) to move locals from landslide-prone areas to new residential areas.

The Ministry of Health yesterday instructed departments in northern and central Việt Nam to evacuate medical facilities in areas at high risk of landslides and flash floods to ensure patient and medical staff safety as Typhoon Bebinca closes in.

Inland waterway ports and wharves that operate without a licence or use an expired licence will be suspended, according to the HCM City Department of Transport.