(VNF) - The Government of Republic of Korea (the RoK Government) and UN Women signed a 300,000 USD agreement on July 20th 2016 to improve the hygiene and sanitation conditions of 15,000 women and girls in 7,500 poor and near poor households in 6 drought stricken districts in Central Highland and Mekong Delta provinces in Viet Nam.

Insecure access to water, sanitation and hygine

As a result of El Nino, provinces in the Central and the Central Highland regions of Viet Nam have been experiencing severe drought since the beginning of 2016. Two million people, including one million women and 520,000 children, are experiencing insecure access to water, sanitation and hygiene and require urgent humanitarian assistance.

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation has increased health risks, particularly to women. Due to the impact of the drought and saltwater intrusion, women spend an additional two to three hours collecting water for their families than normal.

The support from the ROK Government will help women in poor, near-poor and female-headed households in highly drought and saltwater intrusion affected communes in Ca Mau, Kon Tum and Gia Lai provinces.

Funds will be used to prevent the spread of diarrhea, dysentery, hand, foot and mouth diseases, dengue and skin by donating supplies and raising awareness of the importance of sanitation practices and good nutrition for women.The grant will also support income generating activities.

Women spend an additional two to three hours collecting water for their families than normal.

“In line with ROK Government’s initiative for Better Life for Girls, we hope the support will have a meaningful impact in improving sanitation and hygiene conditions of women and girls in the drought affected areas and in reducing the risk of secondary effects such as disease outbreaks”, said H.E Mr. Lee Hyuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Viet Nam.

In addition to the Korean grant, UN Women also received 400,000 USD from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support 20,000 women and girls in drought affected provinces.

Vietnam calls for international support for the most severe drought in more than 60 years.

In March 2016, the Government of Viet Nam extended a call for assistance as 18 of its 63 provinces suffered from the most severe drought in more than 60 years. The Mekong Delta, South Central and Central Highland regions are the most affect by salt intrusion and water scarcity. The Government of Viet Nam, the United Nations and partners have appealed to the international community to support a USD48.5 million emergency plan to respond to the humanitarian situation./.

Ha Thuong