Addressing the launch, MOLISA Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha said that the programme aims to boost effective implementation of the current regulations and campaigns on drowning prevention while raising awareness and responsibilities among local authorities, sectors, families, communities, and children themselves in the issue.
The programme is designed to teach children to swim, and call on closer supervision over children, particularly during the upcoming summer holidays.
According to MOLISA statistics, drowning is among the top causes of fatalities among children and adolescents aged under 19 in Vietnam, with around 2,000 deaths every year.
Vietnam has made great efforts to prevent drowning among children, with a number of legal documents and programmes having been promulgated on the issue, including the Programme to protect children from accidents and injuries, which targets a reduction of 6% in the number of drowning fatalities by 2020 compared to 2015.
In 2017, the MOLISA coordinated with eight relevant ministries, sectors, and organisations to sign a multi-sectorial plan to prevent drowning among children.
