The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) spent a total of VND4.8 trillion (US$209.6 million) on humanitarian activities in 2020, a 10% increase compared to 2019.

Tet gifts presented to Van Kieu ethnic minorities - a humanitarian
activity of the Vietnam Red Cross Society

The funds were mobilised from all resources, from organisations and individuals inside and outside of the country to international friends, said Tran Quoc Hung, Vice President of the VRC Central Committee in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency.

Its humanitarian activities last year primarily targeted those affected by COVID-19 and natural disasters in the central region.

When the pandemic first broke out in Vietnam, the VRC stepped up dissemination efforts to raise awareness about disease prevention and control measures, and mobilised resources to support medical workers and volunteers on the frontlines of the fight as well as people living in locked-down areas.

It also appealed for support for central provinces hit by storms and flooding.

As an active and responsible member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the VRC also provided support for people in China, the US, India, and Cambodia, with over 800,000 medical facemasks worth US$176,000 and US$30,000 in cash sent in response to an International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ appeal.

The organisation has recently proposed several projects relating to COVID-19 vaccines, through the federation or with partners of member societies.

In 2021, with the pandemic and natural disasters developing in a complex fashion, the VRC commits to effectively organising movements and campaigns and improving external and mobilisation affairs to ensure sufficient resources to carry out its efforts and measures.