(Photo: VNA)

The project "Mitigating COVID-19 impacts on vulnerable populations, ensuring national progress to achieve SDGs in Vietnam" was launched Monday in Hanoi.

It will be implemented from April 2021 to March 2022. The beneficiaries include Dien Bien, Quang Tri, Dak Lak and Can Tho.

UNFPA Representative Naomi Kitahara said at the launch of the project that although Vietnam's response to COVID-19 has been one of the most effective in the world, many people, including women and girls, the elderly, and youth, continue to be impacted by the multiple effects of the pandemic.

Le Bach Duong, UNFPA assistant representative, said the project would intervene in four areas - gender based violence, quality care for the elderly, sexual and reproductive health, and supporting young returning migrant workers.

“1,000 elderly people will be provided with high-quality health care and support services in selected cities and provinces while some 58,000 others are expected to benefit from telehealth services. 50 businesses will join hands to offer the best support for the elderly,” said Duong.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Takio Yamada said the Japanese people never forget the heartfelt help of Vietnamese friends for victims of the devastating 2011 tsunami. Japanese also received face masks from Vietnam, right at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. The project is a continuation of the beautiful friendship between Japan and Vietnam, he said.