An annual national week for rural clean water and environmental sanitation was launched on April 22 in Khoi Ky commune, Dai Tu district, in the northern mountain province of Thai Nguyen.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) underscored that this year, the week has more significance than usual, as 2010 has been selected as the year of “Clean Water For a Healthy World.” This is particularly important in Vietnam , which is one of the top five countries suffering the most from the impact of climate change.

After the launching ceremony, health experts showed children how to clean their hands with soap correctly, while young people cleaned schools and streets.

On the occasion, construction of a clean water supply station worth 7.9 billion VND in the commune got under way.

Once operational in 2011, the station is expected to provide safe water to more than 3,100 people as well as offices, schools and health clinics in Khoi Ky commune.

According to the standing office of the National Programme on Rural Clean Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 79 percent of rural people nation-wide are using hygienic water, however, only 39 percent of them are provided with water meeting the Ministry of Health’s standards./.