Minister of Ethnic Affairs and Religion, Dao Ngoc Dung, met with Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, on April 22nd in Hanoi. The meeting focused on future collaborations between the Ministry and UNICEF.
Minister Dung highlighted the importance of integrating the needs of ethnic minority children into national programs and policies from 2026 to 2030. He also emphasized the need to develop and improve primary healthcare facilities in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, as well as enhance demographic quality in these regions.
(Photo: Nguyen Hai)
Minister Dung affirmed Vietnam’s dedication to providing the best possible opportunities for its children. He noted a shift in mindset towards childcare.
He proposed a targeted approach focusing on ethnic minority and mountain children rather than a broader approach to all Vietnamese children, emphasizing the specific needs of these communities.
Recalling a joint relief effort after Typhoon No. 3 in 2024, he underscored the significant challenges and hardships faced by children in remote areas, particularly those in ethnic minority communities.
(Photo: Nguyen Hai)
To maximize impact, Vietnam and UNICEF should concentrate on specific areas and initiatives.
Looking ahead, Minister Dung anticipates substantial improvements in education and healthcare over the next five years. This includes a national plan to establish boarding schools across the country, beginning with border areas and remote regions, and extending to urban areas. All boarding school students will receive free tuition and meals.
(Photo: Nguyen Hai)
In healthcare, Vietnam aims to provide universal access to healthcare, including annual check-ups for all citizens. A technological approach will ensure that newborns receive health records and regular monitoring from birth.
The Ministry and UNICEF will collaborate on specific, prioritized issues over the next five years. Vietnam seeks an independent, objective evaluation of the 2021-2030 National Program for Socioeconomic Development for ethnic minority and mountain areas (Program 1719, 2021-2025 phase) by UNICEF. This evaluation will be crucial for developing future policies.
(Photo: Nguyen Hai)
Minister Dung highlighted the importance of providing nutritious meals, particularly for children in mountainous areas, to improve their health and well-being.
Ms. Danailov commended Vietnam’s strategies, emphasizing UNICEF’s strengths in expertise and technical knowledge. She also raised the issue of providing cash assistance to families with children under three, especially in ethnic minority areas, to support better childcare.
UNICEF’s partnership with Vietnam dates back to the late 1970s, predating Vietnam’s membership in the United Nations. UNICEF has consistently supported Vietnamese children throughout the years, particularly during natural disasters and public health crises, and worked closely with the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs to implement programs.
