The Mekong Delta Region Health Support Project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the US-based RASS company, plans to raise funds to help pay for health insurance for the near-poor.

The funds would pay full insurance costs for three years through 2011.

Currently, 80 percent of the payment for health insurance for the near-poor in 13 of the local provinces is paid by the State and the Mekong Delta Region Health Support Project.

The RASS Company will raise funds to support the remaining 20 percent of the cost. The project will affect nearly 900 people in the region.

RASS will hold its first fund-raiser on June 2 in Can Tho City. It plans to hold two fund-raising campaign a year through 2011./.