A reproductive healthcare service social franchise model named ‘Tinh chi em’ (Sisterhood) was launched in the Au Lau commune’s health centre in Yen Bai city of the mountainous northern province of Yen Bai on April 22.

The social franchise model is a new approach to development; using commercial franchise expertise to achieve social goals.

The ‘Sisterhood’ model aims to improve women’s health by multiplying it nationwide at public health establishments to provide high-quality family planning and reproductive healthcare services.

Phase I of the model was successfully implemented in Khanh Hoa province and Da Nang city from 2005-2009, and Thai Nguyen, Thua Thien-Hue and Vinh Long provinces during phase II (2009-2012).

The project caught the interest of the European Union, who then assisted with the expansion of ‘Sisterhood’ in Thua Thien-Hue and Vinh Long provinces from 2010 to 2013.

Phase III of the project has been implemented in Yen Bai, Ca Mau and Dak Lak provinces, focusing on refining the model, opening the network and lobbying for nationwide implementation.-VNA