Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has signed Decision No. 1658/QD-TTg approving the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030 period, vision to 2050. 

The overall goal of the strategy is to contribute to accelerating the process of restructuring the economy in association with growth model transformation in order to achieve economic prosperity, environmentally sustainability, and social equality.

It also aims to facilitate transition to a green and carbon neutral economy and contribute to reducing global warming.

The Government will strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per GDP by at least 15 percent by 2030 and at least 30 percent by 2050 compared to 2014.

The Government expects to raise the rate of renewable energy in total primary energy supply is expected to 15-20 percent and the forest coverage rate to 42 percent over the next decade.

By 2030, at least 95 percent of urban solid waste will be collected and treated in accordance with regulations./.

Vietnam expects to master production technology of 10 types of vaccines

Vietnam is expected to master the production technologies for 10 types of vaccines and able to produce at least three by 2025, according to a recently approved national science and technology programme.

The programme entitled “Research and production of vaccines for human use by 2030” aims to study and master the technology needed to produce vaccines for human use while enhancing the capacity of domestic vaccine researchers and producers in order to stand ready to deal with newly arising epidemics.

Under the programme, 100% of domestically produced vaccines are expected to meet international standards to gradually bring Vietnamese vaccines onto the international market.

Vietnam has also set the goal of mastering the production technology of 15 types of vaccines and be capable of producing at least five by 2030.

The program will promote the research into and application of new and advanced technologies in vaccine production while prioritising mRNA technology, recombinant protein technology, and virus vector technology to serve in the production of COVID-19 vaccines, cancer vaccines, multi-component vaccines and others to meet the needs of disease prevention and control.

Up to 100% of financial support will be provided for the research, clinical trials, trial production, testing, insurance, and volunteers regarding the production of vaccines against pandemics.

New music video promotes environment protection

Numerous artists have starred in a music video released by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in response to the Clean Up The World campaign. 

The video features singers Đông Nhi, Ông Cao Thắng, Trọng Hiếu, Trung Quân, and top 5 Miss Universe H' hen Niê. 

"The video by the ministry is meaningful," said singer Đông Nhi. 

"I hope that the video will encourage people to work together in environment protection making it greener and cleaner."

Entitled Việt Nam Hướng Về Chiến Dịch Trái Đất (Việt Nam Towards Earth Campaign), the video was released on Tuesday night on Youtube, Facebook and Yeah1 Music and got nearly 30,000 views by the next morning.

The video was produced by the ministry's Environment and Natural Resources Media Centre aiming to convey messages and raising public awareness of the meaning, role and responsibility of environmental protection in socio-economic development; stepping up activities to promote environmental protection, sustainable development, disaster reduction and climate change adaptation in the “new normal”.

The video was released as a part of the activities held virtually in Hà Nội, the northern provinces of Bắc Giang and Thái Bình, and the central provinces of Thanh Hóa and Quảng Nam.

The campaign was organised globally for the first time in 1993. It has become one of the annual international environmental events with the participation of hundreds of millions of people in more than 130 countries around the world.

The campaign calls on organisations, businesses, individuals and the entire community to participate in activities to improve and protect the environment; collect, treat, and recycle waste; and refuse to use disposable plastic products and hard-to-degrade plastic bags.

Webinar seeks ways to end wildlife trafficking, consumption

A webinar was held in the central city of Da Nang on September 30 to seek ways to put an end to wildlife trafficking and consumption, gathering more than 100 delegates, including local officials, and domestic and foreign experts.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ha, Vice Director of the Environmental Protection Division of the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that the seminar aims to find ways to encourage people not to trade and consume wildlife, while pushing localities to effectively implement policies to prevent and fight illegal trafficking and consumption of wildlife.

According to the organising board, in the past 50 years, the vertebrate population has declined by 68 percent. In Vietnam, many wildlife species have faced the risk of extinction due to illegal wildlife trade and consumption.

In this context, the Vietnamese Government has made great efforts in wildlife protection, including the promulgation of the new Penal Code with stricter punishments on possessing and trading in wildlife and wildlife products.

In Da Nang, various decisions have been given with the aim of protecting and developing the forests and biodiversity and the wildlife, and encourage the community’s involvement in the work.

Vo Van Minh, from Da Nang University, underlined the significance of education and communications activities on environmental and wildlife protection.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Hoai Khuong, from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Vietnam, said that the WWF Vietnam is working with different partners to seek new solutions for the preservation activities in the country, focusing on communication measures to reduce the demand for wildlife in Vietnam.

Tran Huu Vy, Director of the GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre, stressed the need for joint efforts of the community in wildlife protection, which also means protecting the biodiversity and the earth as a whole.

Within the framework of the webinar, an online photo exhibition has been held to introduce about 100 photos and video clips on wildlife. The exhibition is open to the public at http://baovedongvathoangda.org until October 8./.

Coronavirus: HCMC daily death toll drops below 100, first time in three months

Ho Chi Minh City's Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on October 1 said that the number of Covid-19 deaths in the city has dipped below 100 for the first time in over three months, with 96 deaths registered during the last 24 hours.

The city Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control held a press conference to provide information on controlling and adjusting measures to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic, gradually easing social distancing. Deputy Head of Ho Chi Minh City's Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control Pham Duc Hai chaired the press conference.

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Head of Ho Chi Minh City's Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control Pham Duc Hai informed that Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Phan Van Mai has issued Directive 18/CT-UBND on continuing control over Covid-19 and adjust measures to prevent and control the epidemic and gradually recover and develop socio-economic situation in the southern metropolis on September 30.

On the same day, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City issued Dispatch No. 3232/UBND-KT to people's committees in provinces and cities on coordination in transporting workers from provinces and cities to work in HCMC.

As of 6 pm on September 30, Ho Chi Minh City logged 389,202 people infected with Covid-19 announced by the Ministry of Health. Mr. Hai pinpointed that the drop in the numbers of seriously ill patients, the numbers of hospitalized patients showed an optimistic sign in the city's epidemic prevention and control.

The number of seriously ill patients on ventilators decreased to 1,568 cases. Plus, around 2,046 patients were hospitalized while 2,866 patients were discharged on September 30.

In particular, the number of deaths on the day was 96 cases whereas they were 106 cases, 113 cases, and 131 cases on September 29, September 28, and September 27 respectively, Deputy Head of Ho Chi Minh City's Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control Pham Duc Hai said.

Webinar seeks ways to end wildlife trafficking, consumption

A webinar was held in the central city of Da Nang on September 30 to seek ways to put an end to wildlife trafficking and consumption, gathering more than 100 delegates, including local officials, and domestic and foreign experts.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ha, Vice Director of the Environmental Protection Division of the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that the seminar aims to find ways to encourage people not to trade and consume wildlife, while pushing localities to effectively implement policies to prevent and fight illegal trafficking and consumption of wildlife.

According to the organising board, in the past 50 years, the vertebrate population has declined by 68 percent. In Vietnam, many wildlife species have faced the risk of extinction due to illegal wildlife trade and consumption.

In this context, the Vietnamese Government has made great efforts in wildlife protection, including the promulgation of the new Penal Code with stricter punishments on possessing and trading in wildlife and wildlife products.

In Da Nang, various decisions have been given with the aim of protecting and developing the forests and biodiversity and the wildlife, and encourage the community’s involvement in the work.

Vo Van Minh, from Da Nang University, underlined the significance of education and communications activities on environmental and wildlife protection.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Hoai Khuong, from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Vietnam, said that the WWF Vietnam is working with different partners to seek new solutions for the preservation activities in the country, focusing on communication measures to reduce the demand for wildlife in Vietnam.

Tran Huu Vy, Director of the GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre, stressed the need for joint efforts of the community in wildlife protection, which also means protecting the biodiversity and the earth as a whole.

Within the framework of the webinar, an online photo exhibition has been held to introduce about 100 photos and video clips on wildlife. The exhibition is open to the public at http://baovedongvathoangda.org until October 8./.

Special, long-term support crucial to ensure best care for children orphaned by COVID-19

COVID-19 has killed over 19,000 people in Vietnam, leaving thousands of children orphaned. More than ever, they are in need of special and long-term care to ensure their comprehensive development.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, over 1,500 students in local schools have lost their parents in only two months. But the figure may be much higher in reality when considering all the children not included in the education system.

Head of the Children Department under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dang Hoa Nam said that the crisis caused by COVID-19 is different from others in that there is a crucial need to take care of both physical and psychological health for children to ease their psychological trauma, especially among orphans.

The Children Department has asked localities to make accurate lists of needy children, especially children orphaned by COVID-19, in order to give them timely and full support and ensure that no child is left behind, and no child has to leave school due to COVID-19.

Along with efforts from the State and local government, many organisations and individuals have joined hands in assisting children in overcoming losses.

Recently, three non-governmental organisations in Vietnam - the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), Saigon Children’s Charity (saigonchildren) and Capacity Building and Support Center for Women and Children (CSWC) - have joined hands to launch the “You are not alone” campaign to support children orphaned by COVID-19 – the hidden victims of the pandemic.

The “You are not alone” campaign aims to support disadvantaged children orphaned by COVID-19 within the networks of participating organisations, as well as extending support towards the wider community through an open application system where any orphaned child outside their existing networks can seek help.

In order to offer timely and suitable support to the orphans, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has asked cities and provinces nationwide to keep updated on the numbers of needy children and the situation of each case as well as the aspirations of the children and their guardians.

The ministry has requested localities to prioritise family-based environment for the children by giving them alternative care in the family of their relatives to ensure best benefits for them. Nursing facilities will be considered the last choice. The ministry’s guidance has received support by many children support organisations, including the UNICEF in Vietnam.

UNICEF Representative in Vietnam Rana Flowers said that this is a timely decision to ensure that children deprived of parental care due to COVID-19 receive the support they need to overcome this incredibly challenging and difficult period, to have love and attention, even though it doesn’t come from their beloved parents, and through this care to thrive and to develop to their full potential.

Holding that institutions are not the best choice for orphans, Flowers stressed the need for the development of a child protection system that ensures alternative family placements are identified and monitored, Government allowances are provided, allowing children at risk to stay in a family environment, in their own community, connected to what they know, able to attend the same school with the same friends and supportive community.

Nguyen Dac Vinh, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Culture and Education Committee said that the support to children orphaned by COVID-19 is not a short-term issue but it needs a long-term policy. He underlined the need for the Government to design long-term and suitable policies to assist the children to overcome difficulties and receive best care until they become adults./.

HCM City receives more aid for COVID-19 fight

The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee and the managing board of the COVID-19 prevention and control fund of Ho Chi Minh City on October 1 received further aid from businesses for the fight against COVID-19.

The assistance included 50,000 USD from the China Business Association's HCM City Branch (CBAH) and medical equipment worth nearly 5 billion VND (220,000 USD) from the Duong Nhat Investment Construction and Environmental Technology Company.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, CBAH's head Zhao Qian said that Chinese companies operating in the city always comply with Vietnam’s law, and support policies and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Government and HCM City.

The support from Chinese firms in the city demonstrates their social responsibility, sentiments and wishes to further develop solidarity and friendship between the people of the two countries, he added.

Highly valuing the aid, Chairwoman of the municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee To Thi Bich Chau voiced her hope that firms in the city will continue to adhere to Vietnam and HCM City’s policies, and stand ready to respond to new developments of the pandemic, and ensure COVID-19 prevention and control efforts and economic development in new normal.

Since the start of the year until the end of September, the VFF Committee and the COVID-19 prevention and control fund of HCM City has received over 958 billion VND for the fight against the pandemic and another 311 billion VND for vaccine purchase, in addition to food and necessities worth 364 billion VND.

Since early August, local authorities have handed out more than 2.23 million social welfare bags to pandemic-hit people citywide./.

Vietnamese monks, nuns in Laos support local COVID-19 fight

Venerable Thich Minh Quang, head monk of the Phat Tich Pagoda in Vientiane, has handed over to the Lao Front for National Construction 25 million LAK worth of essential goods (about over 50 million VND) to help people who are being severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those who are staying in quarantine.

The goods are donated by Vietnamese monks, nuns and Buddhist followers in Vientiane.

At the hand-over ceremony on October 1, the Venerable, who is also head of the coordinating board of Buddhism in Laos, said the donors hope the goods would help alleviate some of the difficulties for Lao people.

Khamchan Phomxengsavan - Standing Vice President of the Lao Front for National Construction highly appreciated the contribution of the Vietnamese monks, nuns and Buddhist followers in Laos, which she said showed the bond and concern of the Vietnamese community in Laos for the host country, especially in difficult times./.

Promoting use of legal timber in domestic market

The Centre for Education and Development (CED) has organised an online workshop named “Sharing communication experience of promoting the use of legal timber in Vietnam”.

The event is one of the final activities of the project “Ensuring timber legality in the domestic market and promoting the use of legal and sustainable timber in Vietnam”. 

It was organised with three main objectives, namely sharing results of project activities that CED has carried out; discussing communication activities that effectively implement the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between Vietnam and EU on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade VPA/FLEGT and promote the use and consumption of legal timber in the next phase of the project; and sharing communication experience and mobilising the participation of stakeholders, especially young people.

FLEGT/VPA officially went into effect on June 1, 2019. One of the main commitments of the agreement is that Vietnam will tightly control timber sources in the whole supply chain.

In order to fulfil the agreement’s commitments and enforce the Law on Forestry, on September 1, 2020, the Government issued Decree 102 on Vietnam Timber Legality Assurance System (VNTLAS).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is continuing to develop circulars to implement Decree 102, which aims at reaching the ultimate goal of tightly controlling legality of timber and timber products.

The project “Ensuring timber legality in the domestic market and promoting the use of legal and sustainable timber in Vietnam,” which is sponsored by FAO-EU-FLEGT Program, has been carried out by CED from May 2020 to September 2021.

This project aims at encouraging consumers in Vietnam to buy and use timber and timber products more responsibly. It also facilitates many parties in taking part in the process of implementing VPA/FLEGT in Vietnam. It includes two main objectives: promoting responsible purchase and consumption of domestic timber in Vietnam’s market, and - increasing understanding of Vietnamese consumers’ knowledge, attitude and practices related to legal timber and timber products.

The September 28 workshop drew the participation of 60 delegates from domestic and foreign organisations, including sponsors representative from the FAO-EU-FLEGT Program, representatives from Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST), partner organisations and universities, Hanoi Industrial and Trade Department, Forest Protection Department from some localities, and the Environment Young Leader Network of the project of Forestry (VNFOREST).

At the event, Bruno Cammaert, Coordinator of the FAO-EU-FLEGT Program (the project’s sponsor), stated that CED’s project activities are innovative and different from other traditional projects of VPA/FLEGT. It targets the domestic market and young consumers, involving participation of young leaders who have not been a great focus in previous projects. Therefore the project shows the benefit in bringing information to different audiences in the society and committing to effective VPA implementation.

In the opening session, To Kim Lien, Director of CED, presented the project activities carried out within 16 months.

At the beginning of the project, a survey was conducted of 304 individuals and organisations, including 126 young people from the age of 18-24. This survey was used to estimate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of using legal timber and timber products in Vietnam. 90 percent of respondents were aware of the adverse impacts of using illegal timber on the environment. These respondents also commented that they would be willing to pay an extra charge to buy legal timber products. However, nearly 50 percent of respondents did not understand what constitutes legal timber.

The survey showed that, when it comes to buying timber and timber products, consumers are most interested in timber quality; with the product’s price coming second. Only 3.5 percent of the respondents were interested in factors related to timber legality and its sources (i.e., domestic timber or imported timber).

Based on that survey’s result, the project developed its communication strategy to focus on the domestic market in order to promote responsible consumption and purchase of legal timber.

The project has cooperated with media and communication agencies, as well as the group of Environment Young Leaders to implement communication activities. The project has also produced a trailer and television documentary on legal timber use and market around the country. The project has cooperated with timber processing associations, design studios, and universities in the northern and central regions to organise two face-to-face workshops and an online talk on raising awareness of using legal timber in construction, architecture and interior design. These workshops and the talk have attracted more than 950 students, lecturers, forest experts, architects, young designers and related organisations.

To support students and young designers in their creative ideas of using legal and sustainable domestic timber, 50 young leaders have been trained by the project. They are students from three universities, namely the National University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi Architectural University and Mien Trung University of Civil Engineering. The project has also run a contest for using timber in designing among universities. 19 student-led initiatives and projects have entered the final round.

This October, the project is set to launch an exhibition named “Using legal timber in construction, architecture and interior design” at 282 Design Studio. The event will run throughout the month until October 30.

It will also be released as a virtual exhibition on the project’s website (flegtvpa.com) from October 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022. The exhibition has been created to support students, as well as young professionals and designers to develop creative projects and ideas that use timber from plantations in Vietnam.

It is comprised of two sections, the first shows innovative and contemporary uses of plantation timber whilst the second showcases the student-led initiatives outlined above. This is to advocate the use of sustainable and legal timber in design and construction, and to inspire students and young designers to develop creative ideas of using forest-planted timber in Vietnam in their future designs.

To fulfil the objective “Increasing understanding of Vietnamese consumers’ knowledge, attitude and practices related to legal timber and timber products,” the project produced guidance and training materials on buying and consuming legal timber and timber products for domestic consumers in daily life. It also developed a toolkit for VPA communication, including information about VPA/FLEGT, a communication toolkit (in particular the ways of making an effective communication plan), and VPA/FLEGT contents to be communicated in the future.

Work in group of the Environment Young Leader (EYL) Network (Courtesy photo of the project)
In addition to media publications for domestic consumers, the project has also given online lectures about using legal timber in construction, architecture and interior design on project’s website (flegtvpa.com). Therefore, universities with specialities in construction, architecture and interior design can access these materials on a long-term basis.

In the subsequent session, a presentation on structure of the toolkit for VPA/FLEGT communication was delivered. This toolkit has been designed to help organisations launch communication campaigns and provide effective information about VPA commitments and obligations. Participants will find out all documents related to information to be communicated in accordance with Appendix 8 of the VPA/FLEGT, communication toolkits, and the ways of making an effective communication plan and a detailed communication plan about VPA/FLEGT in the next session.

Nguyen Vu Phuong, who is Rector of Mien Trung University of Civil Engineering and the representative of partner universities of the project, shared his feelings regarding the activities CED and his institution have implemented during the 16 months and his vision for the future.

He said: “The project has contributed to improving students’ skills and raising their awareness of using legal timber. Especially, it helped to increase understanding of Vietnamese consumers’ knowledge, attitude and practices related to legal timber and timber products. The project has also facilitated many stakeholders, promoted connection and cooperation between our university and enterprises and professional associations. I hope that, in the future, CED will run more projects for students like that, and we are willing to accompany CED to develop community and sustainable developing projects.”

Another important factor that significantly contributes to the success of the project is the communication activities carried out by the Environment Young Leader (EYL) Network.

Meanwhile, Tran Quoc Viet, Associate Dean of National University of Civil Engineering Faculty of Architecture and Planning, suggested that more time is needed for the communication project to catch students’ and young people’s attention.

He said that EYL training activities and designing contests were just some initial activities of educating young people about legal timber use. The project needs more support to maintain activities, and students should be sent to architecture and design studios to get experience. The project also needs more time to provide information for timber consumers as well as the community./.

Bac Giang aims to have 20 urban areas by 2025

Authorities of the northern province of Bac Giang have set a target to develop 20 urban areas by 2025, and due attention will be paid to infrastructure development.

The province’s Bac Giang city will build its urban development plan until 2035, vision to 2050 and complete its infrastructure network to meet standards for Class-1 urban area.

From now to 2025, the city will step up the construction of some urban residential areas as well as transportation projects.

It is to attract investment in new housing areas and apartments and improving quality of existing ones along with public services and malls.

Meanwhile, the province will issue urban development mechanisms and policies to attract investment in the field and work to enhance urban management capacity.

Bac Giang’s urban population had neared 400,000 as of the end of 2020, or 21.7 percent. It currently has 16 urban areas.

Since 2016, the province has mobilised dozens of trillions of Vietnamese dong for urban development programmes.

It implemented 47 urban and urban service development projects with total investment of over 13.59 trillion VND (589 million USD), along with 14 housing development projects with total investment of more than 8.45 trillion VND.

Of note, investment in water and transportation infrastructure exceeded 33.5 trillion VND.

Bac Giang is among the first localities to build a provincial development master plan, which serves as the foundation for its future socio-economic development, including urban expansion./.

Hanoi completes delivery of support packages to welfare policy beneficiaries, poor people

The capital city of Hanoi has completed the disbursement of support packages to people who rendered service to the nation, poor and near-poor households and social welfare policy beneficiaries, with more than 282 billion VND (12.4 million USD) for over 282,000 people.

According to the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, as of late September 30, the city had paid out 1.37 trillion VND in aid, sourced from the State budget and socialization capital, to 12 groups of people hit hard by the pandemic, according to the Government's Resolution 68/NQ-CP and the Prime Minister's Decision 23/2021/QD-TTg.

This is the positive outcome of joint efforts from the municipal to grassroots levels with a determination of helping disadvantaged people access support and soon stabilize their life.

On September 21, the city eased social distancing measures, and life is gradually returning to the new normal. However, local authorities still continue providing social welfare support packages for needy people.

Hanoi has to date recorded over 4,200 COVID-19 infections and 47 fatalities, according to data by the Health Ministry./.

UN Women supports victims of gender-based violence

The UN Women Vietnam on September 30 handed over essential equipment worth 483.4 million VND (21,200 USD) to three Peace House Shelters in Hanoi and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho to upgrade free helpline (1900 969680) in order to improve responses to domestic and international calls and reports of violence against women, and to continue to improve the overall quality of the support services for victims of violence and human trafficking.

The assistance is part of UN Women’s efforts to put an end to violence and human trafficking targeting women in the ASEAN region.

According to UN Women, along with impacts on the socio-economic situation, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rise in violence against women and children.

Addressing the hand-over ceremony, Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Country Representative in Vietnam, said that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with rigorous response measures, has exacerbated pre-existing limitations regarding services to respond to violence against women and children. Therefore, support to upgrade these services is necessary, not only in the context of COVID-19, but in the long term to ensure the dignity, survival and social integration of women who are victims of violence and human trafficking. UN Women is delighted to accompany Peace House Shelters in this journey, she stated.

In early 2021, within the framework of an urgent response to violence against women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic, and funded by the Australian Government, UN Women donated equipment worth nearly 1.5 billion VND (660,000 USD) to improve the quality of support services for women and children who are victims of gender-based violence.

To overcome systemic challenges posed by limited state budget allocation, UN Women is committed to continue supporting the Peace House Shelters across the nation to upgrade psychological counseling services and to strengthen overall coordination and connection to provide more holistic support to women and child survivors in Vietnam, said the UN Women representative.

Meanwhile, Duong Ngoc Linh, Director of the Center for Women and Development which is in charge of the Peace House Shelters, thanked UN Women for the efforts. She affirmed that the equipment is a meaningful gift which motivates all employees who are always committed to the peace of women and children. In the meantime, it contributes to the completion of the service package to support women and children experiencing gender-based violence, especially in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, she added.

The helpline number 1900 969680, along with a counseling room, and the three Peace House Shelters all run by the Centre for Women and Development under the Vietnam Women's Union, were established to provide emergency and comprehensive support services for women and children experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse and trafficking.

After 19 years of operation in Hanoi, and four years in Can Tho, the helpline has counselled on 8,063 cases, amounting to 9,850 survivors over the course of 12,961 calls. In addition, 3,424 women and child survivors of gender-based violence from 50 provinces and 17 ethnic minority regions were supported in-person at the Peace House Shelters.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of consultations via both the helpline and social media channels of the Peace House Shelters increased seven times compared to 2019, and in the first six months of 2021, the number of callers increased 140 percent compared to the same period of 2020. The Peace House Shelters have coordinated with local authorities in crisis counseling and emergency intervention, intervening in nearly 30 cases, an increase of 40 percent compared to the same period last year.

Victims and witnesses of violence against women and children can report and seek help via hotline 1900 969680./.

Recovered warriors help fight the pandemic

Amid the outbreak of coronavirus infections in HCM City, hundreds of people including recovered COVID-19 patients, have volunteered to put themselves on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic.

“Always available and willing to help at any time, whenever people need” is the new slogan for Trần Trường Giang, Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng and Trương Trung Thành, three recovered patients who have joined the city’s voluntary force.

Trần Trường Giang, 29, and his family all tested positive for COVID-19.

“I remembered that my parents and my grandmother tested positive first. The next day, when I did the test, I also had COVID,” he told Việt Nam News.

“At that time, I was very worried because all my family got the disease. But I had to force myself to calm down and look for hospitals providing treatment for my family.

“My grandmother and I then went to the field hospital number 12 in District 2, my parents went to Nguyễn Tri Phương hospital in District 5. We were all sent to the emergency room.”

During treatment, he witnessed the amazing dedication of both medical staff and volunteers. This inspired him to play his part.

He immediately registered to join the voluntary forces after finishing his self-quarantine period.

Giang added: “During the time I took care of my grandmother in the hospital, I also understood how hard-working the volunteers are.

“Many of them are from the North coming here to support the South and doctors here. Sometimes, I saw they slept in the corridor, which was very hard and tiring.

“At that time, I thought that I am a recovered patient and I felt that I owe the hospital my life, so I wanted to come back to help other patients.

“I registered and was sent to volunteer in the field hospital number 1 in Bình Chánh District. I was assigned to work in the emergency room.”

After finishing his self-quarantine period, Giang immediately registered to join the voluntary forces and work in the field hospital number 1 in Bình Chánh District. Photo courtesy of Trần Trường Giang
Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng also joined the voluntary forces to help the city during the outbreak. Hoàng has been a proactive volunteer for many years in schemes such as green summer projects.

So when the fourth wave of coronavirus infections hit HCM City, he instantly continued his voluntary work after his factory closed due to social distancing.

He worked in many vaccination points and also donated his company’s products such as paper cups to hospitals to serve the frontline workers.

But not long after he started, he received some bad news.

“After one week doing volunteer, I tested positive with COVID-19,” Hoàng said.

“Nine out of 11 people in my family tested positive, only two children in my family were not infected. I was really anxious and worried about my parents because my dad has a number of health issues.

“My parents were sent to a field hospital, other members treated at home. So I think that my family had wonderful luck as nine of us beat the disease together.”

Hoàng was supported by his wife and two sisters who also decided to volunteer.

“When I decided to volunteer and asked other family members to join me, I was very happy because I received their support,” Hoàng said.

“I think that I have gone through all the difficult things such as overcoming the disease or finishing the treatment and now I am healthy. So there is no reason to be afraid of going out or just stay at home and wait until the city recovers.

“I have to join the city and I have to do more. So whenever people need help, I can offer support at any time.”

Hoàng believes he had to volunteer to help the city after beating COVID himself. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng
Trương Trung Thành, 25, is also a child of HCM City. Similar to Hoàng, Thành knew that he risked getting COVID after participating in many voluntary jobs. But even testing positive didn't stop him wanting to help.

“No matter if I had COVID-19 or not, the volunteer spirit in helping people is always in me,” Thành said.

“Even when I was receiving treatment, I still coordinated with donors to supply milk, water and fruit for people staying in my quarantine area.

“I didn't know that there was a shortage of those items in the quarantine area until I stayed there.”

Together to fight the pandemic

Working in an emergency room has a high risk of infection. But for Giang, it is easier for him to share and motivate patients as he had had experience of receiving treatment there.

“My day starts from 6am and finishes at around 8pm. My main tasks include preparing meals, cleaning and disinfecting patient areas,” Giang said.

“During my shift, I also try to encourage patients. I think that patients really need someone by their sides to encourage them to overcome this disease. It is mental therapy which is also very important as well as the medical treatment from the doctors.

“When I see that the patients getting better day by day and joking with each other, that's the happiest moment that I have had here so far.”

For Hoàng and Thành, volunteer jobs are not something new. But this time, it might be unforgettable and different from what they had done before.

Hoàng said: “My team supports vaccination points. The main jobs are similar to what I did before, which are calling people, arranging people to take blood pressure, measure temperatures and guiding them to queue up for injections.

“But now as a recovered COVID patients, I can understand what patients have to go through to fight against the disease. So I always try to advise people on getting vaccinated as soon as possible no matter what type the vaccine is. Because that is the best way to protect themselves and their family from this deadly virus.”

Thành added: “During the pandemic, many people in HCM City lacked food or vegetables. I and my team always try to support and provide food for people in this difficult time.”

Thành rallied people to donate more than 300 tonnes of vegetables, tonnes of apples and carrots for people in need in HCM City.

“I don't mind how hard the work is. As long as people stay fine during this tough time, then I'll be happy. Although I am only one individual contributing very little to volunteer work, I will try my best to support as many people as possible,” Thành added.

Thành and his team provide 200 boxes of apples for a quarantine area in Bình Chiểu District. Photo courtesy of Trương Trung Thành
Despite the hardships, they are still determined to continue their voluntary work. They hope their city will fully recover soon.

“I think that at this time, if anyone needs help, I am always willing to support. For me, my biggest wish is that HCM City will return to the 'new normal' soon, it might be slow but steady. I always support the policies carried out by the city's leaders,” Hoàng said. 

Around 50 inspirational stories encourage ethnic minority girls to go to school

Around 50 inspirational stories were sent from people of various ethnicities and backgrounds after more than a month of the campaign #KeepingGirlsinthePicture – “For a future picture with girls” conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Vietnam.

UNESCO summed up the social media campaign on October 1 after launching it on August 3 as having the aim of collecting personal narratives from the public to highlight the importance of learning and inspire ethnic minority girls to continue their education, especially after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNESCO estimates that over 11 million girls from pre-primary to tertiary education may not have returned to school in 2020 due to school closures and disruption caused by the pandemic.

In Vietnam, the #KeepingGirlsinthePicture campaign is being implemented under the project ‘We are ABLE – Achieving Better Living and Education’ expected to promote gender equality and girls’ education in ethnic minority areas.

The project is being implemented by UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, with support from the CJ Group, and aims to promote education for ethnic minority girls in Ha Giang, Ninh Thuan and Soc Trang.

A Tay ethnic woman who used to walk 40 kilometers to school has since become a successful businesswoman. A Xtieng ethnic girl ignored the discouragement of neighbours and fulfilled her dream of becoming a photographer. A Tai Dam female teacher overcame a tough childhood and grew into a feminist advocate. These are some of the inspirational stories from Tay, Thai, Ede, H’Mong, Muong, San Chay, Xtieng, Khmer, Chinese Vietnamese, Cham and Kinh people living across the country that have been sent to the campaign.

The campaign gained an organic online reach of around 300,000 and 40,000 engagement on the Facebook UNESCO Office in Vietnam. UNESCO will be the messenger to bring those stories to ethnic minority female and male students, parents, and the community in We are ABLE project areas.

“When ethnic minority girls can hear voices and real-life stories from insiders, peers, or someone with similar background, they find the message of educational benefit more convincing and relevant to them. We appreciate all those storytellers that joined us to encourage ethnic minority students, especially girls, to fulfil their dream through education,” said Toshiyuki Matsumoto, Education Programme Specialist, UNESCO Office to Vietnam.

Great encouragement given to frontline medical forces in COVID-19 fight

In the fierce fight against COVID-19, one which has lasted for nearly two years, the enthusiasm of medical workers at pandemic hot spots as well as their willingness to face hardships and disadvantages and sacrifice themselves have been recognised by the whole people with deep admiration and gratitude.

In order to promptly encourage and share with medical workers on the front line against COVID-19, various meaningful activities have been carried out by indivduals, agencies and organisations at all levels nationwide to give both material and spiritual donations for the frontline medical forces, especially their children.

According to preliminary statistics from the Vietnam National Union of Health Workers, over 15,000 trade union members and workers in the health sector from the northern and central regions are assisting the southern provinces and cities in their fight against the pandemic. They are facing many difficulties, hardships and dangers; meanwhile, their children are taken care of by their relatives.

During the recent Mid-Autumn Festival, the Vietnam National Union of Health Workers presented gifts to over 7,200 children whose parents are medical workers on the front line against COVID-19 pandemic. The gifts bear a great spiritual encouragement.

In addition, authorities in many provinces and cities, along with agencies and organisations have recently visited, encouraged and presented gifts to families of medical staff working in pandemic-hit localities. Thereby, families living in difficult circumstances and children in need of equipment for online learning have received practical support. During the occasions of Children’s Day, Mid-Autumn Festival and the opening of new academic year, the gifts conveyed the gratitude from the whole community.

For example, during the fourth outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Hanoi has sent many delegations of medical staff to the pandemic-hit localities. Understanding the hardships and sacrifices of female health workers, Hanoi municipal Women’s Union has called for its member organisations to give prompt encouragement and donations to female medical workers participating in the fight against the pandemic as well as their families and children.

In the community, many meaningful activities have been launched and conducted effectively by various organisations and individuals. Notably, the community-based project “Learning with child warriors”, which aims to support teaching of children of the frontline forces, has attracted nearly 2,000 volunteers to register as tutors. Thanks to that, their children can confidently perform their duties. Via social networks, many charity programmes such as the donation of computers, books, scholarships and gifts to children of medical workers, have received the enthusiastic responses from people.

It is difficult to make up for difficulties and disadvantages that children whose parents are health workers are on duty away from home for months. However, the great attention from agencies at all levels and the whole society has had practical significances and recognition for the contributions made by medical workers, helping them alleviate their worries and better fulfill their assigned tasks.

Photo contest "HUEFOTOur 2021" to promote Hue tourism

 "HUEFOTOour 2021" is expected to become an opportunity for people to send their love and promote images of Hue people and culture to friends and tourists across the country, as a way to stimulate Hue tourism demand following the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

"HUEFOTOur 2021" is a photography contest simulating the famous annual photo contest "Canon Marathon" held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

On October 10, the organising board will offer two topics, with each topic having a three-hour time limit for contestants to hunt and record beautiful photos in Thua Thien Hue Province.

The contest prioritises photos capturing moments of ordinary and simple life with good composition and colours. The event promises to be an extremely attractive race for photo enthusiasts.

The contest opens for all those who love and have a passion for photography. The registration period is from September 27 to October 5, 2021 via email: huefotour@gmail.com.

The total prize value of the contest is VND20 million with many gifts from sponsors. The contest's judges are famous photographers, journalists, photojournalists, travel bloggers in Vietnam today, including Vietnamese photographer Ngo Quang Phuc, journalist and photo editor Thuan Thang (Zing News), and travel blogger Ngo Tran Hai An.

The organisers of the contest said that "HUEFOTOur 2021" creates a new and passionate playground for the photography-loving community in Hue.

Reading habits get a boost during social distancing

Many people, including children, must stay at home during social distancing due to COVID1-9. Some of them see the period as a boring time, but others turn it into reading time, and promote reading culture in the community.

1. Upon hearing Ho Chi Minh City started social distancing, Huynh Quoc Cuong, a student of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education who resides in Tan Hung Ward, District 7, first thought that he would have a "peaceful summer".

However, life didn’t go as planned. While his father must practice the “three-on-the-spot” strategy (where employees live, work, and eat on-site to curb COVID-19 spreading), his grandmother and then his mother both tested positive for SARS-CoV- 2 and had to be hospitalised for treatment.

Cuong and his brother stayed at home, all they could do was pray and hope for their grandmother and mother. During that time of panic and anxiety, Cuong found that books provided a relief for him after a long day wandering around the house.

The reality, however, became brutal for him as one week after his beloved ones were admitted to the hospital, Cuong was exposed to COVID-19 and had to undergo home treatment.

The situation caused the panic to multiply. But Cuong quickly faced his fear to follow doctors’ guidance while continuing to read as a therapy for the soul, thus turning his 28-day home treatment into 28 days of reading books.

His courage and positive thinking were rewarded as Cuong tested negative to SARS-CoV-2 in early September.

The book also helped him reduce the pain of losing his grandmother due to COVID-19, which also prevented Cuong and his family from being with her during her final moments of life.

“The best way of entertainment during social distancing is reading books,” Cuong said, adding that the lockdown provided him an opportunity to immerse himself in the books he had bought but hadn't had time to read.

2. While the pandemic continues to see complicated developments the administrators of the ‘Forum of Classic Book Lovers’ have been working to promote reading culture on the social platform. The five administrators recently hosted a writing contest themed ‘I love literature, which was launched from July 25 to August 25 with 78 submissions.

Nguyen Thu, the forum' administrator, shared that many entrants chose to write about books which are hard to read and understand, such as ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by American author Harper Lee, and ‘Siddhartha’ by novelist Hermann Hesse.

The contest was launched to celebrate the first anniversary of the club, which has attracted around 45,000 members, while promoting reading habits among the community during the period of social distancing.

Similar social forums for book lovers such as Club of Book Lovers, Club of Book Reviews, and Club of Literary Books, and Reading Club to Develop Critical Thinking have also seen increases in members and interactions during the social distancing. The book clubs have provided book lovers with reviews on books of various topics ranging from life skills to history, science, and literature.

Notably, members of some clubs have held book-giving events for people in the pandemic-hit areas. Recently, Do Tien Thanh, a member of the ‘Books for Vietnam’s rural areas’ programme, joined researcher Nguyen Quoc Vuong to raise VND34 million to buy books for children in Bac Giang Province.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s youth union launched a programme on providing books to thousands of local families to help them stay well during social distancing.

3. Translator and researcher Nguyen Quoc Vuong has authored and translated around 70 books on history, culture, and education. He once announced that if students can maintain reading habits during their 12 years of formal education, they will be equipped with a better background than many university students.

According to him, parents should take advantage of the social distancing period and get children involved in reading activities while they are not allowed to go outside.

He suggested that parents limit children's use of phones, iPads, and televisions and join in the reading time with their children. It is also necessary to create a reading environment by developing a family bookcase and enriching the book collection in order to make children more interested in reading.

Parents should read books to their children if they are still young. For children who can read on their own, parents can discuss with their children about the books they are reading.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh, founder of the ‘Reading Books with Children’ Club, also considers the pandemic and social distancing period as an "opportunity" to develop children’s interest and attachment to books.

In 2020, her club launched a YouTube programme themed ‘Book of Lullabies’, with each episode introducing children into the world of knowledge through stories and discoveries about the world as well as books on life skills and problems facing both parents and children. In addition, Thuy Anh has also actively participated in many other programmes to promote reading culture.

How one spends their time while practicing social distancing depends on individual choice. Some people might get bored of being stuck at home social distancing, but others make the period more interesting by boosting their reading life.

Southeastern provinces slightly lift Covid-19 restrictions

Covid-19 restrictions will be gradually lifted 'step-by-step' in Binh Duong Province, starting on October 1, announced Vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha.

Fully vaccinated people, individuals who received at least one vaccine dose at least 14 days after vaccination and recovered Covid-19 patients have been allowed to travel within the “green zones” while those living in the “red zones” are required to display negative test result for Covid-19 when they are travelling. The province will issue guidance for workers who travel between their home and workplace.

People travelling within localities must comply with mutual regulations passed and approved by provinces to ensure the prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Green lane” vehicles transporting goods, workers, specialists and other cases of special necessity received a QR code are permitted to travel.

The “Covid Green Card” has yet been applied in travelling in the province, the province’s leader added.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province has seen a steep drop in new cases over the past week. The province has imposed social distancing order under the Directive 15 starting September 23 after spending two months to implement stricter social distancing measures under the strict Directive 16. Residents have been asked to stay home and limit non-essential travel.

As of September 30, the province had 75 among 82 wards, communes and towns recognized as the “green zones”.

Meanwhile the Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control of Dong Nai Province reported that the province has currently six districts that have been listed as the “green zones”, including Thong Nhat, Xuan Loc, Dinh Quan, Tan Phu, Cam My and Long Khanh City.

Binh Phuoc Province has suggested departments, units, organizations and the People’s Committees of districts and towns to simultaneously implement pandemic prevention and control activities.

Traditional craft villages manage to survive pandemic

Dozens of different craft villages in the Southern Province of Dong Nai have been managing to survive the Covid-19 epidemic. Many businesses have resorted to the domestic market and online trading.

Craft villages including fine art wood, pottery, stone sculpture, forging have been making efforts to survive their severe recessionary problems. For instance, Nguyen Hoang, owner of a furniture manufacturing business in Xuan Tam Commune in Xuan Loc District, said that he has had to shutter one production facility and two shops for three months; therefore, tens of workers at the two manufacturing facilities have returned to their hometowns.

Currently, 20 workers have been residing in hostels, and Mr. Hoang has to make an advance of VND4-5 million per person every month to keep workers. Many goods produced before could not be delivered and dozens of contracts for wooden furniture construction were delayed because imported wood materials were stuck at the port.

The furniture production facility of Ngo Huynh Dieu in Xuan Hung commune also faced similar difficulties. Currently, tens of workers residing in Dieu’s production facility have kept producing for prior orders.

Dong Nai fine art pottery village is one of the most famous traditional craft villages of the province. More than half of the village’s products are exported to other countries while the rest are consumed domestically. From March 2020 until now, the sales of fine art ceramic products have slowed down, so ceramic establishments have been forced to reduce their capacity, or temporarily stop working.

Due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, craft villages in Dong Nai Province have actively shifted to exploiting the domestic market and focused on finding new opportunities as well as switching to online trading to maintain production and survival.

Owner of Tien Vy Furniture Facility in Bien Hoa City Nguyen Van Sy said that his establishment returned to the domestic market, looking for customers who love decorative wood for the home and garden.

To attract domestic consumers, he and his designers tried to make new, beautiful products at competitive rates. Thanks to the dynamism of researching the needs of the domestic market, plus finding more customers in the country, the craft village has sold more products.

Do Minh Son, Director of Hoang My Ceramics Company in Tan Hanh Ceramics Industrial Cluster in Bien Hoa City, said that since the outbreak of the epidemic, he switched to looking for customers on the internet.

Mr. Son has been both introducing available ceramic products and advising customers to choose products that are suitable for the trend, interior, color of the house or garden. Subsequently, the company has received many orders from the end of 2020 to now not worrying about inventory anymore.

Similarly, Hoang Ngoc Toan - an artisan, owner of a ceramic establishment in Vinh Tan commune, Vinh Cuu district switched to online business. Thankfully, his ceramic facility has still maintained at 50 percent capacity escaping disruption.

He said Dong Nai Province in general and Vinh Cuu District in particular have put the epidemic under control; therefore, many business establishments have reorganized production. He expected workers will get vaccine jabs soon that they can be back to work for urgent orders.

Preferential policies for research, production of Covid-19 vaccines

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has just signed a decision approving the national key science and technology program "Research and production of vaccines for human use by 2030".

The aim of the program is to strive for all of the domestically-manufactured vaccines to meet national standards that are substantially the same as international standards ensuring the national expanded vaccination program. Moreover, the program will gradually help bring Vietnamese vaccines to the international market.

Moreover, the program will help master the technology of producing ten types of vaccines and produce at least three types of vaccines by 2025. It will help forward the country’s technology to produce 15 types of vaccines and produce at least five types of vaccines by 2030.

According to the decision, all organizations and enterprises engaging in research activities and technology transfer for vaccine production are entitled to preferential policies as national products and high-tech products prioritized for development investment and technology transfer.

The Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers will enjoy full support for research, clinical trials, trial production, testing, insurance, and financial support for volunteers.

HCMC Book Street to reopen after lifting of Covid restrictions

The management board of HCMC Book Street has completing the city’s evaluation criteria for safe business operations. Thus the book street could not reopen on October 1 as planned, said Director of HCMC Book Street Le Hoang.

The Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control of HCMC has issued a set of criteria to support safe operations while preventing Covid-19 at production and business facilities in the city. Offices and businesses need to meet these evaluation criteria to be able to operate again.

Accordingly, the book street must ensure employees and customers are fully vaccinated. Besides, publishers’ employees who received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine have to prepare commodities, clean and disinfect their commercial spaces at the book street before reopening, said the director.

HCMC Book Street has temporarily suspended all operations since May 28. The reading venue took advantage of social distancing measures to upgrade and repair its works that are becoming seriously deteriorated after five years of operation.

The city street book‘s management board has also built more facilities, such as an open space of reading and book exhibition.

The Vietnam Publishers Association-HCMC branch has earlier proposed the municipal Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control to allow the printing and publishing industry to reopen under strict Covid-19 rules starting on October 1.

HCMC is the country’s largest market of the printing and publishing industry. The reopening and activity resumption of publishers, book stores, and stationery and office supplies businesses are regarded as a hopeful signal in the crisis.

Deputy Director cum Editor-in-chief of the Kim Dong Publishing House Vu Thi Quynh Lien said that the HCMC market accounts for around 60 percent of Kim Dong Publishing House’ revenue. The Kim Dong book center and the publisher’s book stall in the book street have yet reopened to the public because they are completing requirements for Covid-19 infection prevention and control.

In addition, the Tre (Youth) Publisher plans to reopen it stall at the city book street and a book store located at the No.157 Ly Chinh Thang Street in District 3 on October 4. The company has finished evaluation criteria for safe business operation and done much preparation for reopening, said Director of the Tre (Youth) Publisher Phan Thi Thu Ha.

The Nha Nam Publishing and Communications Joint Stock Company has closed many its book stores during the social distancing period. The company reopened eight stores in Hanoi from September 17. At that time, the Ca Chep Bookstore in the capital also reopened after two-month halt.

Seven bookstores in Hanoi and three others in Da Nang City of the Kim Dong Publishing House restarted their operation from September 21. The company earlier closed 13 book shops across the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/SGGP/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes  

VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES OCTOBER 2

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