Proactive health protection through access to clean water
In areas frequently affected by natural disasters, the need for safe drinking water remains urgent. In response, the Vietnam Red Cross Society has been carrying out a range of humanitarian initiatives to ensure communities have access to clean and safe water.
Clean water as a foundation for public health
In 2026, the “Clean Drinking Water for Communities” project continues to expand, with support from Procter & Gamble (P&G). The initiative aims to provide safe drinking water to an additional 150,000 people across six provinces and cities, including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa, Dong Thap, and Can Tho.
Inadequate access to clean water and poor sanitation are major contributors to infectious diseases, particularly in disaster-prone areas. As extreme weather events become more frequent, such interventions are increasingly seen as proactive measures to reduce health risks and strengthen community resilience.
In Lam Dong, the provincial Red Cross has worked closely with central agencies and donors to develop a structured implementation plan. The project focuses on five key communes—Luong Son, Song Luy, Hai Ninh, Bac Binh, and Phan Son—where access to water, healthcare, and education remains limited.
A key component of the initiative is the distribution of P&G water purification sachets, along with basic filtration tools such as buckets and storage containers, to 1,220 households lacking access to safe water due to contamination caused by natural disasters. Beyond material support, the project places strong emphasis on communication and behaviour change.
A total of 119 direct communication sessions will be conducted, equipping more than 6,100 residents with essential knowledge on clean water usage and environmental hygiene. In addition, 50 school-based sessions will reach approximately 2,500 students, delivering practical and engaging education on water safety.
An innovative highlight of the project is the organization of school competitions focused on clean water and sanitation awareness. These activities help amplify the message beyond classrooms, reaching families and the wider community. A fourth-grade student from Song Luy 3 Primary School shared that participating in the competition helped him better understand the importance of saving water and protecting the environment.
Strengthening local capacity for long-term impact
Beyond immediate support, the project also prioritizes building local capacity to ensure sustainability. Eight specialized training sessions will be organized for volunteers and teachers, focusing on disaster response, project management, and community communication skills.
A total of 80 teachers will be trained to become core facilitators, directly guiding students and spreading knowledge within schools. At the same time, 80 local volunteers across the five communes will act as key connectors, bringing project activities to individual households.
According to Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial Red Cross and Director of the project’s provincial management board, the initiative goes beyond short-term assistance. It contributes to improving living conditions while enhancing the community’s ability to respond to future challenges.
With a total budget exceeding VND 705 million funded by P&G, the project will run through October 2026. It is expected to deliver tangible benefits to more than 1,200 households, while also strengthening the local education system.
Through coordinated efforts among humanitarian organizations, businesses, and local authorities, the journey to bring clean water to communities is generating meaningful and lasting change. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for healthier, safer, and more resilient communities in the long term.