A total of 1,000 medicine cabinets, stocked with bandages, topical medications, fever reducers, pain relievers, diarrhea relievers, and more, have been placed at preschools and primary schools in highland areas and among ethnic minorities. The goal is to provide medical support for children in these underserved communities. Dr. Mai Xuan Phuong, former Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Communications, Department of Population, emphasized the lack of access to healthcare services in these areas due to underdeveloped socio-economic conditions, cultural practices, and poor infrastructure.
The United Nations estimates for 2021 show a high mortality rate for children under 5 years old in Vietnam, with about 19 children dying for every 1,000 children in that age group. This is significantly higher than in other countries like Thailand and developed nations, where the mortality rate is much lower. Lack of medical staff, facilities, equipment, sterile conditions, and treatment options make it challenging for children in ethnic minority areas to access healthcare services, including basic medicines.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Thao, representative of the Medicine Cabinet for Children project, highlighted the low proportion of students receiving primary healthcare in schools, with just over 22 million students, equivalent to 25% of the population. Many schools lack medical equipment and medicine cabinets, leading to challenges in providing medical support to students, especially in remote areas like Ha Giang. The project aims to bring essential medicines and medical equipment to schools, along with guidance documents and handbooks on common diseases and how to use medicines.
The Medicine Cabinet for Children project kicked off in April in Ha Giang, with 20 medicine cabinets placed at preschools and elementary schools. The project plans to expand to other provinces, with over 200 schools already registered and requesting medicine cabinets. The initiative aims to bring 300 medicine cabinets to schools this year and 700 next year, to ensure children’s access to essential medical support. By providing medicines and medical equipment directly to schools, the project aims to protect children’s health and improve healthcare access in underserved communities.