Deputy head of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’ International Cooperation Department Ha Thi Minh Duc (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The 15th virtual ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Developmenttook place on September 21.
Theannual event is held within the framework of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meetingon Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD).
Themed“Strengthening Family Resilience and Solidarity: Braving the Adversity and Adaptingto the New Normal”, it is part of efforts by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Communityto battle COVID-19.
Addressingthe event, deputy head of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and SocialAffairs’ International Cooperation Department Ha Thi Minh Duc said COVID-19 hasposed many socio-economic and medical challenges across the globe.
Thepandemic has also dealt a blow to the lives of people, especially women, children, andfamilies, she added.
Morethan 30 million Vietnamese have been affected by the disease and incomes have slumped57 percent. Earnings from agriculture at half of families in rural areas aredown 38 percent, while garment-textile is among the hardest-hit sectors.
In additionto curbing the spread of COVID-19, the Vietnamese Government and relevant agencieshave rolled out a number of measures to support people affected by the pandemicand to recover business operations.
Delegatesdiscussed family problems, particularly those arising from COVID-19, noting thatthe pandemic has had a major impact on vulnerable families in ethnic minority groups,those with non-official workers, and migrants. Quality and all-round access to essentialservices, including health care for mothers and children, education, and welfareare also hindered by the pandemic.
Theyalso exchanged views on enhancing the role of families as an essential support system,and protecting families across ASEAN.
Storiesfrom ASEAN nations on strengthening family resilience and solidarity amid COVID-19were also shared./.
VNA
