Hanoi (VNA) – The World Bank (WB) and the Institute forSocial Development Studies (ISDS) have recently signed a financing deal worth2.75 million USD for a project on strengthening COVID-19 response capacity atthe grassroots level in Vietnam.
The project, funded by the Japan Social Development Fund, isexpected to benefit 270,000 people and at least 3,500 persons in vulnerablegroups, including the elderly in urban areas, ethnic minorities, freelancers and HIV/AIDS patients, in the provinces of Vinh Phuc, Khanh Hoa andLong An.
It will improve the capacity of communal medical stations by providing them with equipment and training skills for local health workers.
A network of volunteers will provide vulnerable people withinformation about COVID-19 prevention and discovery measures, food, medicinesand protective suits, as well as psychological support.
Acting WB Country Director in Vietnam Rahul Kitchlu said as thegrassroots medical system plays an important role in protecting front-linersin the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the project will improve the capacityof communal medical stations via the provision of medical equipment andtraining courses for local medical workers, thus minimising cross-infectionsthere and ensuring key health care services during the pandemic.
Lasting till December 2024, the project will help raise publicawareness and promote changes in sustainable behaviors in response to publichealth contingencies
The ISDS is a non-governmental organisation in Vietnam majoring in research,training and interception in public health, gender and community developmentfields.
The Japan Social Development Fund is a joint effort between theJapanese Government and the WB to offer financial assistance to community-basedpoverty reduction projects./.