BULLETIN N.01.
2018 | JANUARY - MARCH
Deputy Prime Minister H.E Vu Duc Dam
highly appreciates Vietnam Red Cross’s
humanitarian activities
At the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam
on the occasion of his visit to Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC)
Headquarters, VNRC’s President Nguyen Thi Xuan
Thu briefed the VNRC’s outstanding activities in 2017,
with significant achievements in all the key priorties of
the National Society: the successful organization of the
10th National Congress at all levels, the Campaign “Tet
for the poor and Agent Orange Victims” - 2017 and the
Cow Bank Project. The total value of humanitarian works
in 2017 is over 3,825 billion Vietnam Dong, with more
than 8 million disadvantaged people and people with
disabilities (double counted) have been reached.
In addition, the Vietnam Red Cross always active in
community health care through communication on road
safety, diseases prevention, provision of first aid training
and first aid services, implementation of humanitarian
health check-up in collaboration with different
organizations, water and sanitation programs, etc. VND
756 billion have been spent on this area, supporting more
than 11 million people. Moreover, the VNRC conducted
many voluntary blood donation campaigns in 2017.
Through the nationwide campaigns, over 1.380.000
blood units have been donated, accounting for 107%
of the year’s target, of which 98% are non-remunerated
voluntary blood donation. The number of
blood donors accounted for 1.6% of the
country’s population.
2017 was also a year of disasters, with
large number of disasters hit Vietnam
such as floods, landslides, flash floods,
typhoons, in a wide geographical areas
from northern mountainous provinces
to the Northern Central and Southern
Central regions. In order to help people
overcome the consequences caused by
natural disasters, VNRC has promptly
appealed for support from domestic and
international donors to assist and support
vulnerable people affected by disasters.
Taking the emergency operation after
typhoon Damrey (namely typhoon 12)
as an example, VNRC has mobilized and
implemented programs and projects with
the total value of 74 billion Vietnam Dong,
directly support over 30,600 households
(128,500 people) in 152 communes of 48
districts in 7 provinces worst affected.
Currently, VNRC Headquarters is
implementing 20 programs and projects
on disaster preparedness and response,
including 10 development projects and 10
emergency relief projects with total value
of over 96,5 billion VND. The total value
of disaster preparedness and response of
the whole National Society in 2017 was
240 billion VND, supporting 578 thousand
“Deputy Prime
of people. Minister Vu Duc Dam
The year of 2017 also witnessed the appreciates the
success of the VNRC’s international humanitarian activities
cooperation activities - the successful conducted by Vietnam
organization of the 14th Southeast Asia Red Cross Society. The
Leaders Meeting 2017 as the host National Vietnam Red Cross
Society; participation in the 21st General
has been successful
Assembly of the International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; in humanitarian
Celebration of the 60-year membership diplomacy and
of the International Red Cross and Red advocacy, which
Crescent Movement (November 1957 - make the National
November 1977). Society be able to
In order to have better conditions for support millions of poor
the VNRC to effectively implement
and disabled people
Government’s Directions in the upcoming
years, the Vietnam Red Cross President
to have a warm and
Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu reiterated some
proposals to the Government: (1) to pay
happy new year.
”
attention, to and direct related Ministries,
governmental agencies to implement
the Conclusions of the Prime Minister
according to Notification No. 331 / TB-
VPCP dated 02/8/2017, issued by the
Government Office; (2) to articulate the
Directive of the Prime Minister on Red
Cross operation as agreed in the meeting
between the Prime Minister, VNRC and
ministries in February, 2018; (3) to permit VNRC to
undertake the first aid training, especially for people
working in sectors with high risk of injury, and provide
first-aid certificates; (4) to consider the proposal of VNRC
to take part in blood collection, storage and processing
through the establishment of Blood Center(s) in the form
of public-private partnerships to meet the need of blood
supply for public and private hospitals. The Vietnam Red
Cross will mobilize the IFRC and other National Societies
to support on techniques, equipment and experts to meet
the standards set by the Ministry of Health; (5) continue
to support and provide further guidance for VNRC and
the Vietnam Medical Association to rebuild the office
building and service facility at 68 Ba Trieu street under
public- private partnership model, as agreed in principle
by the Prime Minister; (6) Direct Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and related agencies to speed up the permission
granting process, with preferential treatments for the
International Committee of the Red Cross to set up a
representative office in Vietnam soon.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam acknowledges and
highly appreciates the efforts of the Vietnam Red Cross. In
the recent years, the National Society has been successful
in humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy which make
VNRC able to reach millions of disadvantaged families,
especially the support provided to poor families on
the occasion of the Tet holiday, ensuring everyone has
sufficient supplies and enjoys Tet with their family
members. He emphasizes that Prime Minister has always
paid attention to and created enabling environment for
the humanitarian activities of the Vietnam Red Cross. In
regards to the proposal of the Vietnam Red Cross for a
Directive of Prime Minister to be issued, the Government
will urge related agencies and ministries to finalize the
draft for perusal and approval soon. However, some
proposals of the Vietnam Red Cross should be further
developed in more details through the consultation
process with related ministries and authorities such as
working with the Ministry of Health to develop proposals
for the establishment of blood or first aid services centers.
The Deputy Prime Minister is very much impressed by the
achievements of the voluntary blood donation program
of Vietnam which the VNRC has played significant role.
On the occasion of the Lunar New year, he expressed
the best wishes to the good health of all staff, members
of the National Society and to the good success of Red
Cross movement in Vietnam which help alleviating the
sufferings of those most vulnerable.
Bringing Tet to the poor

The campaign “Tet for the poor and Agent Orange victims” was launched by the Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC) for 20 years.
The movement has brought joy and warmth to millions of poor families every year, with the support from people from
all walks of life. On the occasion of the traditional Lunar New Year 2018, with the overall target of at least two million
portions of Tet gift for poor families, families of people credited with contributions to the revolution and Agent Orange
victims, VNRC headquarters has assigned the targets for each of its 63 provincial chapters. 52 missions were organized to
visit and hand over Tet gifts for disadvantaged people in 43 provinces nationwide, of which 41 led by leaders of the Party
and the State. According to the statistics from all provinces, VNRC has given more than 2.74 million portions of Tet gift,
with the total value of VND1,274 billion.
Positive signs from cooperation
programs between Vietnam Red Cross
and Red Cross Society of China
At the meetings with the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) and
the delegation of the National People’s Congress of the People’s
Republic of China during their visit to Vietnam (18-19/1/2018),
Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) President - Mdme.
Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu expressed her high appreciation for the
humanitarian cooperation programs between the two National
Societies which have been very beneficial to disadvantaged
people in Vietnam. The cooperation programs in 2018 and
following years will significantly contribute to the strengthened
relationship between the two countries
During the period 2016 - 2017, a project with comprehensive
interventions to build community resilience was implemented
by VNRC with the financial support from RCSC; At the same
time, the emergency relief assisstance for the people in disaster-
hit areas in Vietnam (with the value of around VND 7 billion) was
provided. Over the years, significant results have bene achieved
from many bilateral cooperation activities jointly implemented
by two national societies. On the other hand, VNRC has also
active in mobilizing resources to support Chinese people in
need, for example those affected by the earthquake in Sichuan,
China in 2008 (US$ 220,000); Chinese workers affected by the
conflict in Vung Ang Industrial Zone in 2014 (US$70,000).
During two working days, the two sides have come up with
a cooperation plan for this year: RCSC to send a volunteer
delegation to the VNRC Youth camp which is planned to be
organized in Can Tho province in August 2018; VNRC leaders
to accept the invitation of RCSC for a working visit to China;
Two national Societies to enhance operational experience
exchange, organize exchange activities for the Red Cross Youths
and volunteers; RCSC to support VNRC to provide training
and capacity building activities for staff and members at the
grassroot-level.
The two National Societies agreed to provide each other with
humanitarian aids for disaster response. RCSC will take in to
consideration specific project proposals of the VNRC which aim
at developing a climate resilent community model in Vietnam;
assistance for VNRC to improve the National Society’s capacity
to provide first aid service during emergencies; assisstance for
people with blood and genetic disorders, especially Mediterranean
anemia/Thalassemia, Thalassemia or Thalassaemia.
Some project proposals VNRC has developed and been awaiting
for the greenlight from RCSC: The water and sanitation project
in Ninh Thuan (for 1 year); Community based Disaster risk
management in Da Nang; and the project “The wheels of
volunteering”.
Strategic partnership between
Vietnam Red Cross and American Red Cross
to a new height
On 27th February 2018, the Leadership of Vietnam Red Cross
Headquarters received the Delegation of American Red Cross
Headquarters led by Mr. Jono Anzalone, the Vice President in –charge of
international services, to discuss about the Strategic Engagement Plan of
two National Societies for the coming time.
Since the first programs supported by American Red Cross in 1999 and
then establishment of its representative office in Vietnam in 2003, this is
the first time that two National Societies directly involve into the dialogue
on the Strategic Engagement Plan.
The American Red Cross is the first partner to share the engagement plan
with Vietnam Red Cross. It indicates the true spirit of partnership and the
American Red Cross’s willing to maintain bilateral cooperation with the
Vietnam Red Cross, even in the context that other National Societies have
shifted their priorities to different regions and decided their exit plan.
As said by Mr. Jono: “This visit represents a long-term commitment
between American Red Cross and Vietnam Red Cross in the future. The
Strategic Engagement Plan has been developed for two years with the
American Red Cross’ decision to narrow down the list priority countries as
well as the scope of works while at the same time go deeper, with stronger
focuses in order to maximize efficiency’’.
RepresentativesofthetwoNationalSocietiesspentmuchoftimediscussing
key points outlined in this Strategic Plan. In general, the Vietnamese Red
Cross agrees with most of arguments of the American Red Cross such
as the challenges in the current context and new trends as well as some
limitations of the Vietnam Red Cross. Vietnam Red Cross has also realized
these issue and been taking actions to improve.
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu highly appreciates American Red
Cross’ efforts and methodology in developing this Strategic Plan, basing
on a comprehensive analysis of the working environment of the Vietnam
Red Cross, including geographic, demographic conditions, social and
political environment, legal status, vulnerability to natural disasters, and
emerging issues; priorities of two National Societies; stakeholder mapping
and potential donors inside and outside the Red Cross Movement,
strategic comparative advantages of American Red Cross in Vietnam, etc.
Attheendofthedialogue,twoNationalSocietiesreachedaconsensusonthe
03 broad goals in coming time: i) Support the organizational development
of the Vietnam Red Cross through standardizing the Vietnam Red Cross’s
management system and building capacity for its staffs; ii) Increase VNRC
and American RC technical leadership in preparedness and response
through innovative approaches to mobilize multi-sectoral community
engagement/ institutional readiness in CBDRM processes, such as
police and fire departments, community health facilities, institutions,
infrastructure departments, and the relevant private sector employers in
order to better address emerging needs and demographic challenges of
the country such as aging trend, the migration of working-age population
to urban areas for employment and its negative impacts; iii) Ensure
financial sustainability of Vietnam Red Cross: American Red Cross will
help the Vietnam Red Cross to develop a robust and diverse network of
donors and partners through providing connection between Vietnam
Red Cross and private sectors, U.S. multinational corporations with or
without representative offices in Vietnam.
 BULLETIN N.02.2018 | APRIL - JUNE

A drop of blood donated -

A life in exchange
Le Hai Tam

On April 27, the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation held a conference to summarize
10 years of volunteer blood donation in 2008-2017 period and deploy mission in 2018-2022 period. Over
the past 10 years, the whole country has received more than 9.2 million units of blood from volunteer blood
donors. Among those who have participated in the blood donation, the repeated rate of blood donation
reached 41.5% and is on the upward trend.

Over the past 10 years (2008-2017), the volunteer blood donation movement “A drop of blood donated
– A life in exchange” has developed, changing people’s perceptions, contributing to providing blood to
hospitals, no anemia occurs. The country has received 9,212,670 donated blood units, basically meeting the
need for blood for emergency care and treatment of patients. Of which, repeated blood donation was 41.5%
(more than the second time) and the blood donation rate was nearly 1.6%.

Over the past 10 years, there have been 447,266 propaganda and mobilization on the volunteer blood
donation with 15,482,986 communication products. Many media campaigns and volunteer blood donation
events were organized successfully, such as Campaign for mobilizing volunteer blood donation for Tet, Xuan
Hong Festival, Red Sunday ... The country has established 3,363 clubs (clubs) with 135,000 members such
as preparatory blood donation club, rare blood club, rare blood family club, blood donation club volunteer.
Nationwide, 155,867 individuals, families and blood donation clubs have been honored and rewarded for
volunteer blood donation achievement.

In 2018-2022 period, the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation aims to further
raise people’s awareness on benefits of volunteer blood donation for human rescue and safety of blood
transfusions. In addition, gradually increase the number of healthy people to participate in blood donation,
ensuring adequate supply of blood for emergency care and treatment of patients, at least 2% of the blood
donation population and 100% of volunteer blood donors by 2022

At the conference, two diplomas of the Prime Minister were presented to the two groups, namely the Ministry
of Health and Health Care Department of Vietnam Red Cross to collectors with outstanding achievements
in the volunteer blood donation movement.
Typhoon Damrey 2017 Operation review
After 6 months of operation, 33,130 housebolds in 152 communes of 48 districts in 7 provinces of Bình
Định, Khánh Hòa, Quảng Nam, Quảng Ngãi, Thừa Thiên Huế, Phú Yên, Đắk Lắk have been reached
through 9 projects, with in-kind supports as well as conditional and unconditional, multiple purpose cash
grants for essential commodities, livelihood and shelter recovery. With the total value at VND 82.8 billion
(nearly USD 3.8 million), the operation has become one of the biggest operations that the Vietnam Red
Cross has conducted over the years.

Typhoon number 12 with its international name as Damrey made landfall in Vietnam on November 4, 2017,
bringing downpours and heavy winds which caused serious damages to 7 provinces in the Central and
Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is the strongest typhoon in at least 16 years to hit the regions, with strength
equivalent to a category 2 storm, according to Nasa.

Facing the consequences of the typhoon, the Vietnam Red Cross Society immediately released more than
VND 2.4 billion from its emergency response fund to provide emergency reliefs to affected population
and launched the national appeal to mobilize additional resources to provide further emergency relief and
recovery assistance to families affected by the typhoon.

The program has attracted the attention and the valuable supports from a number of international partners
including UN agencies in Vietnam – the United Nations Development Programs, Food and Agriculture
Organization and the International Migration Organization – the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies, the USAID, governments of the Grand Dutchy of Luxembourge, New Zealand, etc.

Present at the Pre-disaster season meeting organized by the Vietnam Red Cross which is aimed at reviewing
the response activities in 2017 and preparing for the disaster season of 2018, Mr. Ha Cong Tuan, Vice
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, highly appreciated the role that the Vietnam Red Cross
Society has played in disaster preparedness and response. On this occasion, onbehalf of the Government,
Mr. Ha Cong Tuan handed over the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit to the Vietnam Red Cross Society
for its great efforts in the Damrey typhoon response program.
The program “Together for Humanity”
The Humanitarian Month launched by the VNRC will take place from May 1 to May 31 with the theme:
“Humanity - from awareness to action”. On April 28, 1818, at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, the Red Cross organized
the program “Together for Humanity” which attracted thousands of members and volunteers.

At the program “Together for Humanity”, Hanoi Red Cross Chaptes and other organizations and individuals
donated money to support the construction of two houses, donated 3 breeding cows to poor households; provided
medical treatment for a poor child and donated bicycles to 20 students who have overcome difficulties to get good
study result (total value of 180 million VND). Hanoi Red Cross received nearly 2 billion VND from businesses,
individuals and Red Cross at all levels. Through Vietnam Red Cross Headquaters, the Vietnam National Football
League and the National Football Team U23 supported 700 million VND to help Orange Agent victims and
children suffering from serious diseases.

Many humanitarian activities have been conducted such as voluntary blood donation “Thang Long Drops”
which is expected to receive about 400 units of blood; Photo exhibition “Humanitarian power” on Le Thach
street introduces to the public 80 typical images reflecting humanitarian and charitable activities of Vietnam and
Hanoi Red Cross. Contest on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; humanitarian values of ​​
the Red Cross; Walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake in response to “Humanitarian Month”; “Streets of Humanity”
with the participation of 20 booths as places to exchange, share charitable activities ...

VNRC launched the “Together for Marine Island” message program calling the people of the country to support
livelihoods resources, develop production capital for poor fishermen; donate communication equipment; first aid
medicine cabinets; organize free medical examination and treatment and first aid skills training for fishermen.

Photos of the program “Together for Humanity”

1. Leaders of VNRC, Hanoi Red Cross pushed for Humanitarian Month 2018

2. Walking in response to Humanitarian Month

3. Offering 20 bicycles to children who have learnt well in difficulties

4. President of VNRC- Mdm Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu (the second person on the left) visited the charity booth of
the disabled.

5. Haircut free for Red Cross members

6. There will be 400 units of blood received at the voluntary blood donation ceremony “Thang Long Pink Drops”
 BULLETIN N.03.2018 | JULY - SEPTEMBER

A decade of cooperation between

the Vietnam Red Cross and the
Italian Red Cross
The last bilateral project - Water and Sanitation project in Bac Kan province - has been concluded at the time
that marks 10 years cooperation between the Italian Red Cross and the Vietnam Red Cross Society. During
the visit of Mr. Francesco Sofia, Regional Delegate of the Italian Red Cross in Asia-Pacific to Vietnam for
the project closure, the two sides had the opportunity to look back in to the fruitful relationship over the last
decade.

The Italian Red Cross came to Vietnam in 2008 for an initial assessment mission to get to know the situation
of the most disadvantaged communities in Vietnam, understand their needs, particularly in primary health
care. Since 2009, healthcare programs implemented in 4 provinces of Tien Giang, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan
and Bac Kan have reached 2,260 children of the age between 6-12, 2,720 mothers with children of the
age between 6-12, helped improve their health through giving them access to health promotion messages,
personal hygiene and sanitation behavior change activities; reached 540 women between 15 - 49 years old
and 114 husbands with the knowledge on reproductive health and care messages; more than 2,000 people
in the communities and hundreds of primary school and pre-school children with knowledge on water and
sanitation; hundreds of families with financial and technical support to build hygienic latrines, buy/construct
water storage facilities.

With the strength in First Aid, Italian Red Cross has also provided support to improve the capacity of the
Vietnam Red Cross by sending first aid specialists and instructors to Vietnam to conduct training of trainers
for the Vietnam Red Cross. Up to now 51 people have been trained, being First aid master trainers who
continue to help the Vietnam Red Cross develop the network of first aid trainers and community voluntary
first aid providers.

In addition, the Asia Baby project implemented in cooperation with Vietnam Red Cross and the National
Hospital of Pediatrics during the period 2013-2016 has saved the lives and brought hopes to the families of
229 children with congenital heart deseases.
Due to the adjustment in the international engagement strategy of the Italian Red Cross, the direct present
of the Italian Red Cross in Vietnam will no longer be retained. However, this does not mean an end to the
relationship between Italian Red Cross and the Vietnam Red Cross. With the distance support of the Regional
Delegation in Kuala Lumpur, the cooperation will be continued in another modality.

At the meeting with the Regional Delegate of the Italian Red Cross, Vice President Tran Thi Hong An, on
behalf of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, acknowledged the contribution of Italian Red Cross in Vietnam
as well as the contribution of the Italian Red Cross personnel in promoting the relationship between two
National Societies in general and the success of the projects in Vietnam in particular. She reaffirmed the
expectation of the Vietnam Red Cross for a new phase of cooperation between two sides.
Full moon festival for children in flood
affected areas
The event was attended by Mme. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, the President of Vietnam Red Cross Society, Mr
Vu Quang Hai, the Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee, the President of Van Yen District
People Committee; representatives of Southern Publication and Advertising Center  Humanity and Life
Newspaper, local organizations and agencies; especially 1,000 students, their parents and teachers. Festive
activities included the procession with colorful lanterns, actors playing the Chang’e and Cuội (characters in
the folktales about the moon and Full Moon festival), giving moon gifts and performances held by school
teachers and students made them enjoyed.  

Being at the festival, Mme Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, the President of Vietnam Red Cross Society said  “As
you know, the recent floods this year have caused serious damages in many areas of Van Yen district, the
Vietnam Red Cross Headquarters together with donors held the Full Moon Festival here with the purpose to
bring to the students a warm and happy festival. It doesn’t matter how big the festival is, it’s the gift from
the hearts of the Vietnam Red Cross staff and volunteers, our donors and local authorities to 1,000 students
of Phong Du Thuong commune. We do expect that all of you enjoy this fun and meaningful event”

Students and teachers of Phong Du Thuong commune highly appreciated the supports of Vietnam Red
Cross, donor and local authorities so that they could enjoy the spirit of traditional Full Moon Festival that
they have never experienced before because of poverty. 

In the afternoon, Vietnam Red Cross paid a visit and provided gifts to two disadvantaged households in
Phong Du Thuong commune: one in hamlet 10 and another in hamlet 1.
Sharing the results and lessons learned of
the project “Building Resilience to Natural
Hazards in Central Vietnam” funded by
the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and the joint effort
of the Consortium of 5 partners
Natural disaster is happening increasingly and complicatedly as a result from climate change, causing servere damages and losses
on the land of Central Vietnam, but in the face of traumas and losses, the reception attitude of the local government and people
today is very different.

In fact, urban area with rapid population growth, migration and urbanization is likely to increase disaster risk and are expected to
be more complex due to global climate change. It is also an area with a high risk of natural disasters and people are even more
vulnerable than rural area. As a result, the project has shifted interventions from rural to urban area.

Therefore, not only in rural area, but also in urban area, the awareness and thinking of the authorities and people about natural
disasters have changed significantly, from passive to active; people always receive, follow up and update information regularly,
fully.

Contributing to the positive change in the thinking, thanks to the project “Building Resilience to Natural Hazards in Central
Vietnam” funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the joint effort of the Consortium
of 5 partners include American Red Cross/Vietnam Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, Plan International, Save the Children
and HelpAge International in Vietnam, of which American Red Cross plays a coordination role. Based on the strength of each
organization, the consortium model of co-operation is well suited to solving the shortage of resources and equipments. From
there, it creates synergy in addressing the need of many vulnerable groups.

Wishing to support vulnerable communities, local governments are improving their capacity to withstand the risks of natural
disasters and reduce the risk of human and property damage caused by extreme climatic events, the project “Building resilience
to Natural Hazards in Central Vietnam” has shifted focus
to disaster risk management from rural to urban areas.

This shift is reasonable because of the fact that

community-based disaster risk management in urban
Vietnam is still in its infancy and favorable location of
the Provincial Red Cross Chapters’ offices big cities, will
assist with government in this important area. Therefore,
the project aims to increase the resilience and capacity of
disaster-prone communities as well as community-based
disaster risk management capacity for the Vietnamese
Red Cross.

As a result, the project has supplemented the gaps that the

National Program on Community-Based Disaster Risk
Management has not covered, including communication
on climate change and disaster risk reduction, intergration of people with disabilities, gender, education and school safety before
disaster. At the same time, contributing to USAID’s mission in saving human life; livelihood, property, infrastructure before,
during and after the disaster; and increasing the resilience of the community to frequent hazards.

Project was designed with models of 03 main components/interventions:

+ Policy advocacy model: The Consortium coordinates with Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development to implement guidelines for disaster management in urban areas, training of trainers , trainings for technical support
groups and disaster risk assessment, natural disaster prevention and control planning, etc…; Coordinates with the Ministry of
Planning and Investment to disseminate Circular 05 of the MPI, the integration skills training, the experience sharing workshops
among the provinces; Coordinates with the Ministry of Education and Training to implement safe school framework. At the same
time, the Consortium coordinates with local authorities at all levels to organize trainings, workshops, drills/silmulations..., building
disaster risk mitigation projects. Partners of the Consortium will support local authorities to integrate the results from disaster risk
assessments (CBDRAs) into their annual socio-economic development plans, seeking internal resources to implement the plans
that has been built

+ The intervention model in the community: mainly towards the people through the change of awareness and skills to prevent and
respond to risks caused by natural disasters. At local level, community emergency response teams have been established, trained
with knowledge, skills of search and rescue, first aid, and ready to be mobilized in the event of disasters.

+ Safe School Model: towards student and teacher orientation, safe school modeling through safe school training for school
management boards, teachers, and providing skills and knowledge on disaster risk management for primary school students.

Dramatic products for disaster reduction in schools have been shown many times not only at schools, but also in competitions,
communication sessions and the project final review workshop by students of Huong An Primary School, Que Son District,
Quang Nam province. Every time, playing a role not only creates excitement for children, but also equips them with the basic
knowledge of disaster risk prevention as well as life skills, love…, ready to help people when disasters happen.

In addition to modeling, other activites in frame of the project were conducted including the development of urban community-
based disaster risk management guideline, safe school, upgrading early warning systems, providing rescure equipments for
emergency response teams at all levels and for high-risk neighborhoods, schools, that brings great benefits to the community

In particular, the project has built swimming pools, swimming skill training, and drowning prevention communication for primary
school students, something that has never been done before.

Wishing to achieve the best results and widespread domino effect, the project has applied science and technology in many
aspects of intervention. Instead of people mapping in rural areas like before, up to now, hazards maps have been mapped through
OpenStreetMap software and extremely accurate global positioning system. In order to increase the efficiency of communication
on facebook, facebook page “Managing urban disaster risk” has been established with 429 members and thousands of access
per day and project activities are updated and posted timely. This facebook page is also expanded/connected to other partners,
INGOs/government agencies working on urban risk mitigation.

After nearly 3 years implementing the project “Building resilience to Natural Hazards in Central Vietnam”, the Consortium of 5
partners has clearly demonstrated their role, supporting the project to achieve the positive results on all three goals: strengthening
capacity on disaster prevention and control for local government, community and school.

With a budget of 4,038,550 USD, by the end of June, the project has achieved some outstanding results:

- 673,952 beneficiaries

- 61 communes/wards benefited with 2,717 local government staff trained on disaster prevention, mitigation and management

- 176 trainings to improve the capacity of local government staff and people with 9,939 participants.
- 57 community-based disaster risk assessments with 15,035 participants.

- 2,545 students being trained on disaster preparedness and response

- 19 drills/silmulations were conducted

The activities of Phase 1 mainly aimed at equipping the beneficiaries with knowledge, skills and tools through workshops, training
courses and drills. The main activities of Phase 2 focused on policy advocacy and documenting the experiences/lessons learnt that
have been drawn from the first phase with three areas:

+ Develop Policy Brief on urban community-based disaster risk management that contribute to the revision of Government’s
1002 Program

+ Develop Policy Brief on integrating natural disaster prevention and control plan into socio-economic development plan,
contributing to Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Circular No. 05 dated 06/6/2016 on guilding the integration of natural
disaster prevention and control plan into socio-economic development plan

+ Develop Policy Brief on Safe School that will contribute to regulating the safe school framework with Ministry of Education
and Training

At the same time, through the project, Vietnam Red Cross and its partners have learned valuable lessons such as:

+Appreciate the new model of Consoritium cooperation from the United StatesAgency for International Development, where partners have
rich experience in climate change adaptation/disaster risk management;There are many strengths and experiences that can be complementary
and supportive to each other during project implementation; Linkage and creating domino effects in the project areas; Diversity in activities,
fields and intervention areas

+ Vietnam Red Cross has a network at all levels with experienced trainers and assessors in the field of disaster prevention and control; Has
actively supported partners in the Consortium to implement some components of the project

+ With the participation of partners in the Consortium and its partners in the local community to share experiences in urban community-based
disaster risk assessment/training, guilding the intergration of disaster prevention and control plan into socio-economic development plan,
drawing experience and lessons learnt

Joy and happiness continue to exist in the lives of each people in Central Vietnam. With the knowledge and skills gained from the project
“Building resilience to Natural Hazards in Central Vietnam”, they become active warriors fighting against the hardness of nature. From the
pain of losses, life is always revived and developed. That is the biggest success that the project has achieved, thereby contributing to creating
a safer and more sustainable life on the central land full of sunshine, wind and natural disasters for today and tomorrow.
 BULLETIN N.04.2018 | OCTOBER - DECEMBER

The 10th Asia Pacific Red Cross and

Red Crescent Conference (ASPAC 10)
On November 14, 2018, the 10th Asia Pacific Red Cross Conference at Makati Shangrila hotel, Manila was officially closed 
after 3 days of active discussions. The conference was participated by official delegates from 47 National Societies in the
Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, observers from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,
the International Committee of the Red Cross, Partnering National Societies from European and American countries,
governments and corporate partners. Mr. Tran Quoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Red Cross lead the Vietnamese
Delegation to the conference.

Asia Pacific is a dynamic and diversified region, the home of around 5 billion people, accounting for 2/3 of the world
population. Despite having many achievements in socio-economic development, the region has to face with many challenges,
those include the impacts of climate change, extreme weather patterns, conflicts and newly emerging epidemic diseases as
well as the increased surveillance of non-communicable diseases. 

Addressing at the Conference, Mr. Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies expressed his encouragement for the Red Cross Movement in the region. He highly appreciate the relevance of the
Conference theme “Engaging local humanitarian actions in a fast-changing world”. The need for humanitarian assistance
keeps increasing and becoming more diverse while at the same time the traditional donors are confronting with a lot of
pressure from the stagnation even adverse development of the economy, the increased in-country challenges such as the
aging population. Volunteers - the vital factor of the Movement - are decreasing in terms of number, with the increase in their
average age. Youths are having less interest in volunteering for the Red Cross.  The decline of trust in humanitarion actors
also has negative impact to the Red Cross resource mobilization efforts. Technology innovations bring opportunities but also
challenges from the digital gap and the preference for life online. 

How the National Societies in particular and the Red Cross Movement in general could be able to attract people, remain
relevant today and in the future, by addressing the current needs as well as keeping up with the changes and foreseeing the
future needs of their communities? How the National Societies could strengthen their volunteer management and promote
volunteering in modern society? - These are big questions not only to National Societies in the Asia Pacific but also to the
Movement globally. 

The outcomes of the Conference are important to shape the future of the International Movement as well as each National
Society because it’s the high time for the review of Strategy 2020 and development of Strategy 2030, setting forth the vision
of the Federation and the National Societies in the coming 10 years. 

The Conference has been successfully closed with the Manila Declaration, as the collective will of theAsia-Pacific National Societies. 

Hà Lan Anh
Viet Nam Red Cross promotes
international humanitarian assistance
In 2018, the world has witnessed many disasters occurring on a global scale. Climate change has accelerated
extremism and made the humanitarian disaster response more and more imperative.

As an active member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Vietnam Red Cross is constantly
developing its organization and affirming its position as a humanitarian supporter on international arena.

For the first time, Viet Nam Red Cross directly assigned the relief mission to perform its international obligations
in general; and with Laos in particular. The delegation led by President Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu directly provided
assistance to affected people by the catastrophic hydroelectric dam disaster in Attapeu province, Laos from 30-31
July, 2018. The relief has been successfully completed, ensuring strict implementation of the policy, the content and
work program, no problems related to security and safety.

Vietnam Red Cross has donated money and relief goods values a total of nearly $ 60,000 to help affected Lao
people. During the relief trip in Laos, the delegation worked with the Government of Attapeu, Laos, and delivered
relief goods including: 100 boxes of household goods (each box containing items such as buckets, buckets, plastic,
blankets, mosquito net, aluminum kettle, etc.), 62 sets of Lifestraw water filters and 100 mosquito nets, totaling
over 220 million VND. These goods are very relevant to the real needs of the people affected by the disaster. The
delegation, along with leaders of the Lao Red Cross, representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies and the Swiss Red Cross, visited and offered direct relief to affected households in the
concentrated evacuation area of Sanamxay
​​ district (Attapeu province, Laos). Previously, Vietnam Red Cross had
provided US $50,000 to help affected people through the Lao Embassy in Vietnam.

Immediately after the mission, Vietnam Red Cross received a request from the United Nations in Viet Nam and
Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control to exchange the results of the relief activities in
Laos and the need for further support, therefore the activities of the relief mission are significant both domestically
and internationally. The Red Cross of Lao PDR appreciates and affirms the relationship with Vietnam Red Cross is
very necessary, need to maintain regular and more meaningful activities; Maintain a bilateral cooperation agreement
between the two national societies and continue to sign the bilateral cooperation agreement after its expiry at the end
of 2018; Promote the exchange activities between the Red Cross branches bordering Vietnam - Laos border. Based on
the practical situation in the locality, the two sides wish to mobilize the signing of a cooperation agreement between the
provinces of the Vietnam-Laos border provinces in the 2019-2022 period; Coordinate with the Vietnamese Overseas
Associations in the two countries, mobilize businesses and benefactors to participate in humanitarian activities in
Laos such as medical examination, free medicines
distribution, gifts for the poor Vietnamese overseas,
support scholarships for disadvantaged students
and support for the construction of humanitarian
projects.

On September 29, 2018, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake

and a 6m high tsunami seriously damaged Sulawesi
Island, Indonesia. As of October 8, 2018, the double
disaster has left nearly 2,000 people dead and about
5,000 missing.

As soon as the Indonesian government agreed

to receive international aid. Many governments and international organizations have been carrying out
humanitarian relief activities. The Government of Vietnam has provided US $ 100,000. The International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued an International Appeal to mobilize
22 million Swiss Francs to provide emergency relief to 160,000 affected people over a 20-month period.
Humanitarian assistance will address the need for housing, livelihoods, basic needs, health, clean water,
sanitation, dignity and disaster risk reduction for the people in the affected areas.

Sharing with the difficulties of the Indonesian people and responding to the IFRC’s international appeal,
Vietnamese Red Cross decided to support US $ 10,000 from the its emergency fund to assist Indonesian
people affected by the double disaster, through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies.

These are the noble deeds that show the spirit of mutual affection, the great humanity of the Vietnamese people
and the great international responsibility of the Vietnamese Red Cross. In the coming time, the Vietnam Red
Cross‘s focusing on improving the capacity of its staffs to join directly in participating in large-scale disaster
response in the regional areas and in the world