2019 - a year for the safety of women and children

In his speech, PM Phuc underlined the special role of women as the bedrock of family and society, and that of children as the future of each family, the nation and the whole of humankind.

He stated that Vietnam is providing free health insurance to all children under six and nearly 100% of children under 12 months of age are covered under the expanded programme on immunisation, while Vietnamese women play a major role in economic development.

PM Phuc said that, as head of the government, he was deeply concerned by problems threatening the safety of children and women such as road and drowning accidents, domestic violence, sexual harassment and human trafficking.

As such he urged all of the relevant parties to undertake concrete and appropriate actions to protect women and children, especially in disadvantaged, remote and ethnic areas.

He asked the Vietnamese Women Union to consider the wellbeing and safety of women and children as its goal of action, while calling on enterprises, individuals, social organisations and international organisations to work with the union for such goals.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent his best wishes to the women in Vietnam ahead of March 8 and hopes that they will continue to contribute to the country's sustainable development.