Japan is providing over USD 2.8 million to support the project, which will be implemented from April 2021 to March 2022, focusing on intervening across four areas, including gender based violence (GBV), quality care for older people, sexual and reproductive health, and support for young returning migrant workers.
The project is expected to support the ongoing efforts by the Vietnamese Government to ensure that the negative impacts of COVID-19 are mitigated for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, as well as ensuring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.
“The pandemic is showcasing the mutual understanding, resource sharing, and above all, solidarity across communities, societies and countries, in order to cope with this unprecedented challenge. The project we are launching today is a continuation of the beautiful friendship between our two countries,” said Takio Yamada, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam at the launch event.
In order for Vietnam to achieve its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it is critical to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 and make sure that everyone is part of the country’s sustainable development process, leaving no one behind, suggested Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam.
The new project is expected to help make a great leap forward in realising the SDGs in the country, the UN official said.
The project will target 14 provinces and cities across all the three regions of Vietnam, namely Thai Nguyen, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh in the North, Da Nang, Quang Tri, Quang Nam, and Dak Lak in the Central, and An Giang, Can Tho, Vinh Long, and Ho Chi Minh City in the South.
It will be co-implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Home Affairs, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
For each target group, the project aims to enhance integrated protection services for the survivors of GBV and carrying out GBV prevention work to develop behavioural change, strengthening case management and coordination between sectors and raising the awareness of the impacts and consequences of GBV.
In addition, it will help ensure care for older people, particularly those with disabilities, helping them integrate and be supported during emergency situations and promoting greater private sector involvement in the care of the elderly.
It also hopes to ensure that continuous sexual and reproductive health services are guaranteed to women and young girls in emergency situations, with particular attention given to ethnic minorities and those residing in remote and mountainous locations.
Last but not least, the project will provide counselling and professional services regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, GBV, job replacement, career planning and income generation for the empowerment of young Vietnamese people.
