Vietnam
At the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, so much blood had been shed that the country struggled to get back on its feet. Today, HI supports the population in its reconstruction efforts and implements projects to prevent disabilities.
Occupational therapist Dang Nguyen works with Phuc Nguyen, 2, who has cerebral palsy at Benh Vien Phuc Hoi Chuic Nung Rehabilitation Hospital in Hanoi. | © Molly Feltner / HI
Our actions
HI started to work in Vietnam in 1989 to help survivors of bombs, anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war.
In 1989, the Ministry of Health asked HI to set up the first orthopedic workshop in Hanoi. In 1993 and 1994, HI opened two more orthopedic workshops, one in Dalat and one in the province of Dong Ha.
Over the following years, at the request of its Vietnamese partners – in particular different government ministries and provincial institutions - HI provided technical advice on disability prevention and physical rehabilitation projects.
Today, the organization is building the technical skills of rehabilitation teams consisting of doctors, physical therapists and social workers and provides needed equipment.
Areas of intervention
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a life
Background
Nearly 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, the country is now looking to the future, but there are many obstacles in its path.
50 years after the end of the Vietnam War, the country is looking to the future, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.
The number of people in Vietnam today who were injured during these armed conflicts is very high. Large tracts of land still bear the scars of the fighting, and restoring the environment is a huge challenge for the country.
15% of the population is currently living with a disability. As well as the after-effects of past conflicts, there are a number of additional causes of disability: the number of road accidents is rising, as is the number of occupational accidents in factories or on construction sites; furthermore, many people are affected by congenital disabilities.
Thanks to the support of the State and the efforts of the health sector, Vietnam has made progress, particularly in reducing infant mortality and occupational mortality. The country is now focusing on the health of populations experiencing extreme hardship, the prevention of disability and the socio-economic inclusion of people with disabilities.
Number of HI staff members: 9
Date the program opened: 1989
