Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has called for continued support from religious groups to spread a cilivised and cultural lifestyle to the public.

Meeting representatives from 38 religious organisations in Ho Chi Minh City on April 27, Dam asked the ministries of Public Health, Education and Training, and Culture, Sports and Tourism to do specific tasks for the cause.

He suggested holding meetings of different religious groups to raise mutual understanding and offer ideas to provide better welfare for the public.

Participants recommended adding transport safety and food hygiene advice into educational curricula, providing study funds to relatives of religious followers, and providing free health check-ups for the poor, among others.

They also discussed initiatives to counter unhealthy social behaviours and spread civilised practices.

Vietnam is currently home to 38 organisations run by 14 certified religions with over 25 million followers, 83,000 dignitaries and 25,000 places of worship, said Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Pham Dung.-VNA