The visit reaffirmed the close partnership between UNFPA and the Government of Viet Nam, while underscoring the shared commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly women, young people and ethnic minority communities.
Accordingly, over three working days in Ha Noi and Phu Tho Province, Dr Bodiroza held meetings with senior Government partners, development partners, United Nations leadership and all UNFPA Viet Nam staff to review progress, strengthen cooperation and align efforts with Government priorities, national strategies and global commitments, including the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A key highlight of the visit was a field mission to the One-Stop Service Centre (OSSC) in Phu Tho Province, also known as the “Sunflower House”, where UNFPA, in coordination with provincial authorities, provides integrated, survivor-centred services for women and girls affected by domestic violence and gender-based violence.
Dr Bodiroza met with provincial leaders, service providers and women from local ethnic minority communities. He acknowledged the Centre’s role in expanding access to protection, health and social welfare services in hard-to-reach areas, while commending the dedication and tireless efforts of the OSSC staff.
In Ha Noi, Dr Bodiroza held high-level meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to discuss further cooperation on population-related issues, including rapid population ageing in Viet Nam, promoting maternal health and youth empowerment, preventing and responding to gender-based violence, responding to climate change–related disasters, and ensuring sustainable financing for social sectors. He also met with Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, to discuss strengthening system-wide coherence and collective impact.
Speaking after the visit, Dr Bodiroza acknowledged Viet Nam’s progress and emphasised the importance of sustained, human rights–based investments.
“Viet Nam has made significant progress in improving health indicators and advancing gender equality. The United Nations Population Fund is committed to continuing to work alongside the Government and partners to ensure that all women and young people, wherever they live, can exercise their rights, make informed choices and access quality services,” Dr Bodiroza stated.
Dr Bodiroza also met with all UNFPA staff in Viet Nam, recognising the team’s dedication and encouraging continued innovation and strengthened partnerships to achieve high-impact results at both national and local levels.
