Vietnam

After years of conflict and devastation, the economic transition of the last decade has brought positive change to the lives of the Vietnamese people.

Since the implementation of the 'Doi Moi' policy in the 1980s, which introduced a capitalist market economy, there has been an increase in income and a rapid reduction in poverty. Vietnam is now considered one of the fastest growing economies in the region with an annual growth rate of 7%.

However, there is an increasing gap between rich and poor, and some areas of the country and groups of society, particularly ethnic minorities, are being left behind. Many still live in poverty, particularly in the rural provinces; malnutrition continues to affect many children; knowledge of hygiene and sanitation and access to water supplies remains limited; and HIV/AIDS is a growing concern.

Plan has been working with communities and local partners to find long-term solutions in all these areas.

Some of the reasons why Plan works in Vietnam

• Over a third of children suffer stunted growth due to poor nutrition
• Over 40% of children do not attend secondary school
• A third of the rural population do not have access to adequate drinking water
• 74% of the rural population do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities