UNICEF Helps Improve Sanitation in Drought-hit Areas in Vietnam

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Vietnam Red Cross Society on Nov 8 signed an agreement on a relief program for six Vietnamese provinces which are affected from drought and saltwater intrusion. Under which, supporters will focus on improving sanitary conditions and access to safe water for 10,000 children and 15,000 women in six provinces in the central, Central Highlands, and southern provinces of Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai. The program, which will last from project November to February next year, will cost total $125,000. UNICEF Vietnam Acting Representative Jesper Moller said the program will highlight the support to the most vulnerable victims, schools, and households in areas suffering from severe weather conditions. Meanwhile, Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu of the Red Cross Society said that the program will bring hope and support to affected people, especially poor children and those with disabilities. Vietnam has suffered from long-lasting droughts which are caused by El Nino. The central region and Mekong delta are the most-affected areas. (Vovworld.vn Nov 8, VnExpress.net Nov 9)