Where we do it > Vietnam

Facts & Figures Population: 87 million Capital city: Hanoi GDP per capita: $3,071 HDI ranking: 105 out of 177 countries * Life expectancy: 74

Country background

VSO volunteers in Vietnam currently work in the areas of disability and HIV and AIDS.

HIV and AIDS

The rate of HIV in Vietnam is growing rapidly and social stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS hinders the prevention, care and treatment efforts of government and non-government organizations. The HIV prevalence rate was estimated to be 0.53% in 2006 or 280,000 people, and is growing with more than 100 people infected every day. Though the prevalence is low by global standards, the risk of a spread to the general population and consequent rapid increase is real. Although a reduction in the prevalence has been achieved in Thailand and Cambodia, there is no sign yet of a dip in Vietnam.

VSO is developing the management and counseling skills of its partner organisations so that they can lead effective awareness raising campaigns and provide better care and support to people affected by HIV. VSO also promotes the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS principle across all its work and encourages this to be adopted by all its partners.

Disability

People with disabilities are one of the most disadvantaged groups in Vietnam. They face challenges accessing quality education, public services and employment opportunities. The dominant attitude towards people with disabilities in Vietnam is one of ‘care and protection’. They are not considered as being able to take care of themselves, achieve in school or contribute through work. Additionally many people consider that the person with a disability brings shame on a family.

Inclusion is not clearly understood in society. Even when there is willingness to include more people in education, work or society there is a knowledge gap as to how that might happen. People with disabilities and the government recognise these attitudinal barriers and place great importance on changing attitudes by raising awareness of how people with disabilities can contribute to society.

VSO is supporting formal education to be more inclusive, enabling more children with disabilities to go to school. It is also working with a range of new partners such as self-help organisations to promote inclusive development, employment and income generation and to support the rights of people with disabilities in Vietnam.