The Need
CHIA is an Australian registered non government organisation based in Hoi An, Quang Nam province, central Vietnam.
So why are we here? After all, Vietnam has experienced strong economic growth for a number of years.
It is true that for some Vietnamese their lives have certainly improved over the past decade, however for millions more, each day is a constant battle to provide the very basic necessities of life. There are ever-increasing gaps between the rich and the poor, and between urban and rural populations. While the poverty rate is 10.8 per cent in urban areas, it is 27.5 per cent in rural areas*.
Quang Nam is a relatively poor province with a strong dependence on agriculture, forestry, fishing and basic construction activities. Within Quang Nam, many families we are assisting are surviving on USD 1- 2 a day and for them, obtaining access to appropriate health, disability and education services is virtually impossible because of one or more of the following:
- Primarily, the family has no capacity to pay.
- The family is located in a remote community which has inadequate (or no) infrastructure and limited communication with people outside their own very localised area
- The family has no transportation.
- Due to limited educational background, the family does not know how to access services.
- The family is unaware of the severity of their child’s condition and therefore sees no need for medical services.
- Due to the need to earn a living and feed other members of the family, the parents believe that taking time out to identify appropriate care for their child cannot be justified.
We are currently working with around 500 children, predominantly from within and around Hoi An, who are suffering from a life threatening or chronic health issue, have a severe disability, or who are not able to attend school. At the request of the provincial government, CHIA agreed to also work with disadvantaged children in the neighbouring district of Duy Xuyen. Since extending our services into Duy Xuyen it is clear the level of need in this area is even greater, as it is a much poorer rural area.
Despite its best efforts, the Vietnamese Government is unable to provide free health care and education. One reason is because many people are earning so little that they do not pay any income tax. With very limited taxation revenue, the Government can only do so much as in addition to health and education facilities, it must also meet the huge need for major infrastructure projects including water and sanitation schemes and major transportation works.
With an average monthly income for many of the families we are assisting of USD30 - US$60 and, as an example, the average cost of cardiac surgery at USD1,500 it is easy to see why there is such a genuine need for help.
 |
 |
 |
|
| Map of Vietnam showing Quang Nam province. | At just 4 years of age Linh has already had surgery for hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and also cataract surgery. | This basic shelter is home to one of the families we support. Note that the area in which CHIA works is prone to regular annual typhoons. |