UNICEF provides 2 million USD in support to address the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi

Clean water and sanitation remain top priorities

On the afternoon of October 1, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep met with Ms. Silvia Danailov, the newly appointed Chief Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's headquarters.

Typhoon Yagi struck northern Vietnam during Ms. Danailov’s first month in office, causing widespread destruction. In response, UNICEF has mobilized 2 million USD in emergency aid to support approximately 50,000 children and others affected by the disaster.

During the meeting, Ms. Danailov praised Vietnam's proactive efforts in addressing natural disasters. She also mentioned that, just last week, General Secretary and President To Lam had discussions with UNICEF leaders at their headquarters in New York. This demonstrates Vietnam's strong commitment to enhancing its capacity to respond to and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.

“Children are the most vulnerable during such disasters, as the risk of diseases caused by a lack of clean water and sanitation increases. While adults tend to recover more quickly, children are often more deeply affected, with long-lasting consequences,” said Ms. Danailov.

Looking ahead, UNICEF aims to continue collaborating with the MARD and local authorities to understand the country’s needs better. This will enable UNICEF to offer more comprehensive support, always keeping children at the center of its international assistance efforts.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized, “Typhoon Yagi has caused significant damage, and the consequences are still unfolding. UNICEF’s financial commitments during this critical time are incredibly important.”

Many families in the affected areas had previously escaped poverty, but after Typhoon Yagi, they lost everything. While the national economic outlook is positive, the northern mountainous region has borne the brunt of the storm's devastation.

The MARD urges UNICEF to adopt a leading, foundational approach focused on long-term stability, extending beyond the immediate emergency response to Typhoon Yagi.

"The comprehensive and systematic impact assessments from UNICEF will be instrumental in future relief and disaster response efforts. As Vietnam's key partner in disaster risk reduction, I believe UNICEF will assist the MARD in making policy recommendations that reduce the impacts of natural disasters," said Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep.

UNICEF pledges to prioritize children in all international assistance efforts

In the wake of Typhoon Yagi, UNICEF swiftly mobilized and activated an emergency plan, delivering essential supplies for water, sanitation, healthcare, and nutritional support for children. In an international statement, UNICEF emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to aid the estimated 5.5 million children affected by the disaster. Additionally, 400,000 households are without access to clean water, nearly 50,000 homes have been severely damaged, and close to 600 schools have been forced to close.

In collaboration with UNICEF, the MARD has directed local authorities to pay special attention to vulnerable communities, particularly women and children. UNICEF’s support is also being prioritized for schools and healthcare facilities. Although 500 schools have reopened, the infrastructure remains inadequate. Ensuring clean water sources is the most urgent need to provide students with safe learning conditions.

In September, UNICEF worked alongside units under the MARD to carry out activities related to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and social protection in the localities impacted by Typhoon Yagi.

Specifically, UNICEF provided assistance to the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai, delivering essential items including: 2,400 water tanks (1,000L each), 2,200 drinking water bottles (20L each), 2,000 ceramic water filters, 100,000 Aquatab water purification tablets, 2,700 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 2,400 bars of soap. These supplies were distributed to poor households, evacuation centers, schools, and health stations, with a total value of 300,000 USD.

In addition, UNICEF extended its support to Lang Son, Cao Bang, and plans to assist the provinces of Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, and Thai Nguyen by providing 3,170 water tanks in September and October 2024, valued at 270,000 USD.

Regarding social protection, UNICEF will launch a multi-purpose cash assistance program for households in October and November 2024, with a total disbursement of 480,000 USD.