Hanoi (VNA) – The World Bank (WB) and partners on September 29 launcheda project aiming to reduce economic and health vulnerability of older personsin Vietnam, under a 2.75-million-USD grant, funded by the Government of Japanthrough the Japan Social Development Fund.
The project, implemented by HelpAge International incollaboration with Association of the Elderly in Vietnam, will support thescale up of a community-based model for elderly care that promotes economicallyproductive, healthy, and active ageing.
It is estimated that 27,000 people in six provinces willbenefit from the project’s interventions, 70 percent of them are elderly.
“As one of the most rapidly aging countries in the worldwhich will see the 65 age group increase by 2.5 times by 2050, Vietnam needs adifferent approach to make health and social care systems fit for a growingolder population,” said Carolyn Turk, the WB Country Director for Vietnam. “Weare pleased to support Vietnam in putting in place innovative, cost-effectiveand affordable interventions to provide long-term senior care.”
A core activity of the project is to expand theIntergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) network through building at least 180new clubs. This model, first implemented in Vietnam in 2006 and whoseeffectiveness has been recognised by the government and included in nationalpolicies, adopts a holistic approach to meet the multiple needs of olderpersons. These self-managed clubs, which host 50-70 members, runs a variety ofinter-generational activities to help members boost incomes, improve physicaland mental wellbeing, and know their rights.
As of now, 3,500 ISHCs have been established covering 61 outof the 63 cities and provinces in Vietnam but quality and coverage varies. Theinnovation of this project, which will run until September 2024, is that itwill help fill some of these gaps and also facilitate better linkage with Governmentservice providers./.
The project, implemented by HelpAge International incollaboration with Association of the Elderly in Vietnam, will support thescale up of a community-based model for elderly care that promotes economicallyproductive, healthy, and active ageing.
It is estimated that 27,000 people in six provinces willbenefit from the project’s interventions, 70 percent of them are elderly.
“As one of the most rapidly aging countries in the worldwhich will see the 65 age group increase by 2.5 times by 2050, Vietnam needs adifferent approach to make health and social care systems fit for a growingolder population,” said Carolyn Turk, the WB Country Director for Vietnam. “Weare pleased to support Vietnam in putting in place innovative, cost-effectiveand affordable interventions to provide long-term senior care.”
A core activity of the project is to expand theIntergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) network through building at least 180new clubs. This model, first implemented in Vietnam in 2006 and whoseeffectiveness has been recognised by the government and included in nationalpolicies, adopts a holistic approach to meet the multiple needs of olderpersons. These self-managed clubs, which host 50-70 members, runs a variety ofinter-generational activities to help members boost incomes, improve physicaland mental wellbeing, and know their rights.
As of now, 3,500 ISHCs have been established covering 61 outof the 63 cities and provinces in Vietnam but quality and coverage varies. Theinnovation of this project, which will run until September 2024, is that itwill help fill some of these gaps and also facilitate better linkage with Governmentservice providers./.
VNA