Charity activities organised by religious groups and individuals have significantly contributed to helping poor people in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang.

The province is home to 10 religions with 358 worshipping facilities and 342 local religious organisations.

From 2010-2013, as many as 143 groups and individuals joined humanitarian and charitable work, raising nearly 180 billion VND (8.46 million USD).

The activities focused on providing free health care and medicine to the poor, repairing houses and building new roads, schools and homes. Poor students have also been helped with tuition fees and other financial support.

Notably, the Kinh 7 oriental medicine clinic, which is run by a group containing Catholics, Buddhists, Hoa Hao Buddhists, Cao Dai and Protestants, effectively provides free health care services for many poor patients.

According to local authorities, further favourable conditions and support will be given so that the religious organisations and followers can participate in more charity and humanitarian work.-VNA