USAID-funded project aims to reduce harm of plastic pollution on public health
The Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) has recently coordinated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch the “Plastic and Health Action Partnership” (PHA) with the aim of reducing impact of plastic wastes on public health.
A plastic waste dump in Lao Cai province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Institute of Strategy and Policy on NaturalResources and Environment (ISPONRE) has recently coordinated with the UnitedStates Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch the “Plastic andHealth Action Partnership” (PHA) with the aim of reducing impact of plasticwastes on public health.
The PHA is part of progress of the Local Solution forPlastic Pollution (LSPP) sponsored by the USAID and Center for Supporting GreenDevelopment (GreenHub).
In Vietnam, it is estimated that there is 25 million tonnesof solid domestic waste each year, and 10-20 percent of it is plastic.
The percentage of plastic waste and single-use nylon bags inthe country’s urban areas has rapidly increased, accounting for 10 to 20 percentof domestic solid waste.
Solving plastic pollution problems requires the jointefforts of many parties, such as Governmental bodies, internationalorganisations, NGOs, research institutes, universities and businesses, saidNguyen Trung Thang, ISPONRE deputy director, at the launch ceremony.
“Establishing PHA can be considered as an opportunity torecruit the participation of all related groups to help in reducing the harm ofplastic pollution on human health,” he added.
Christine Gandomi, USAID acting director office ofEnvironment and Energy, stated that the partnership would mark the beginning ofa new era of collaboration, exchange of knowledge and good practices aroundplastic pollution challenges.
PHA would be among the first partnerships focusing onplastic and its impacts on human health, she said.
“This exchange and dialogue will help us address pressingdevelopment challenges in Vietnam,” she added.
PHA has mobilised 18 organisations in Vietnam. They arepartners from international organisations, Government, NGOs, research institutesand universities.
In the future, PHA will support departments and localitiesall over the country to carry out policy advocacy activities related to plasticand health; build and contribute to a datacentre; boost communicationactivities; raise awareness on the relationship between plastic and health; anddeploy pilot models to reduce plastic pollution across the country./.
A representative from the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands under the Ministry of Planning and Environment has affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to participate in and contribute to regional and global initiatives aiming to reduce marine plastic waste.
A social network campaign called “Plastic-19 Lockdown Challenge” was launched by UNESCO and the Centre for Supporting Green Development (GreenHub) on October 15 to inspire the community to reduce the use of plastics.
Plastic waste has long been an alarming problem, Nguyen Dinh Tho, Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, stressed at a press conference on October 7 to launch an information portal and communications campaign “Joining hands to reduce plastic waste”.
A seminar on marine pollution control was held in both in-person and online forms on November 30 by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and the Embassy of France in Hanoi.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
A national plan sets clear goals to be achieved by 2030, including the completion of climate-resilient infrastructure and improved capacity for disaster prevention and adaptation.
A plastic waste dump in Lao Cai province (Photo: VNA) 
