Vietnam
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is 1,650 kilometres long and from 50 kilometres at its narrowest point to 600 kilometres wide. Its 90 million people constitute the world’s 13th largest population (third largest in ASEAN) inhabiting the 66th largest country—an area about one third that of New South Wales. According to the World Health Organisation, Vietnam’s health status has significantly improved with the overall basic health indicators being better than those of other developing countries in the region with similar or even higher per capita incomes. The country is moving towards universal health coverage, progress however is unequal and health inequities and disparities in health outcomes continue to persist among the poor, ethnic minorities and those living in the hard to reach areas.
Facts
Population: 96million+
Capital city: Hanoi
Currency: Vietnamese Dong
Main language: Vietnamese
Location
The Nineteen Degrees’ project is in Mai Châu district, a mountainous area home to many ethnic minority groups, located 135 km north of Hanoi - the capital city of Vietnam. This idyllic valley is embraced by emerald mountains and clouds, making it a popular retreat location in North Vietnam.
Project info
The Vietnam Primary Health Placement in Mai Chau, Northern Vietnam collaborates with remote village communes and with the central health district on a variety of community development projects to advocate for improved access to education, health and other services that many of us take for granted.
The program focusses on delivering primary health outreach to disadvantaged populations through mobile clinics and health education workshops, placing student groups in uniquely experiential situations that alleviate poverty, respect indigenous cultures and protect local environments whilst providing opportunities for groups to learn and practice skills in culturally diverse and challenging environments.
Opportunities
In Mai Châu district, health care is administered by the Mai Châu General Hospital. The hospital is extremely supportive of student groups visiting and assisting them to provide healthcare outreach to outlying villages within its reach. Through this mobility experience students are provided the opportunity to not only practice their nursing assessment skills under supervision from university supervisors but learn about healthcare provision, culture and the socioeconomics of the region through the network provided by Mai Châu General Hospital and our on the ground staff.
The placement provides students the opportunity to observe and work in cooperation with doctors and nurses whilst also joining local medical staff providing health checks and health education to residents in surrounding villages.
Head to the Programs page to find out more.
“All in all, this was an incredibly valuable clinical experience for us not-so-distant future nurses.”
— Trudie Tonsbeek.
Bachelor of Nursing, Griffith University
In country support
The partnership with our team in Mai Chau and Hanoi is one of our longest and dearest and we are very proud to collaborate on the community health program with them. The multicultural team consists of Vietnamese and ethnic White Thai who work inclusively to ensure all community members are supported and listened to.
Get in touch
We hoped you enjoyed learning about our Vietnam programs on offer. To find out more information or to request a tailored proposal please contact us using the form below.