According to Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) statistics, the rate of low income households throughout the country in 2017 dropped to 6.72%, a reduction of 1.51% against 2016. The reduced figure successfully met the target set out in the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1722/QĐ-TTg. The outcome, which is the result of joint efforts of the entire Party, people and army, has motivated the country to enter a new Spring.
In addition to improving the living conditions of impoverished households, the Party and State have also paid special attention to providing care for policy beneficiaries and underprivileged people. Ahead of the lunar New Year, the Government allocated approximately 38,000 tonnes of rice to the poor and those living in disaster-hit areas. Non-State sources have also been mobilised to help the disadvantaged to rise above their difficulties and integrate into the community.
On the occasion, local authorities, organisations, businesses, and benefactors have also visited and presented Tet gifts to the poor and the families of policy beneficiaries. The solidarity of the entirety of society in their efforts not only strengthened resources to care for the poor during Tet but has also inspired and nurtured compassion among people from all walks of life.
Local authorities have been active in reviewing poor households in their localities for the rollout and implementation of social welfare and poverty reduction policies in 2018. They have also revised and supplemented the number of poor households in areas hit by natural disasters in 2017 to ensure that there will be no interruptions to delivering preferential policies for the targeted people.
A range of activities have been held nationwide to bring a warm and happy Tet for the poor. In the central province of Nghe An, more than VND60.2 billion (US$26.7 million) was raised by more than 294 local organisations and individuals at a charity programme. An action week for the poor was also launched in the northern province of Thai Nguyen, drawing the enthusiastic participation of the local business community and other benefactors.
An arts programme to raise funds for the poor and Agent Orange/ Dioxin victims was organised by the Red Cross Society in January, aiming to deliver around 2 million Tet gifts to those less fortunate.
Vietnam is one of the countries receiving recognition by the United Nations for implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). The country is also seen as a bright spot for its efforts to reduce poverty.
In the near future, more practical measures are needed to further mobilise the participation of localities, the community, and sectors at all levels for the eradication of poverty so that no one is left behind in the progress of society.
