QUANG TRI – The Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang and IOM have handed over hygiene supplies and equipment and other essential supplies to Quang Tri frontline workers working at points of entry (POE) to ensure continued safe international travel for Viet Nam.

The donation funded by the Government of Japan and IOM for Quang Tri Province include essential hygiene supplies such as soap and hand-sanitizer, and medical equipment such as temperature screening thermographic, contactless thermometers and disinfection sprayers.

The Consul- General of Japan to Da Nang, H.E. Yakabe Yoshinori, welcomed the recent deliveries, highlighting Japan’s ongoing support for Viet Nam’s safe resumption of international travel. “The Japan Government supports the IOM’s ongoing efforts to assist frontline workers working at entry points by equipping frontline workers with necessary skills for COVID-19 prevention and control and providing personal protective equipment and other essential supplies,” Consul- General Mr. Yakabe said.

As part of the US$1.6 million support of the Government of Japan, IOM has supported the Viet Nam Government’s safe resumption of international travel by enhancing public health capacity at Points of Entry (POE) of six land-border crossings throughout Viet Nam and five international airports (Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Tan Son Nhat, and Phu Quoc airports). It is estimated that 400 frontline officials, 50 Government officials and 3000 citizens have benefitted directly from this project.

“The equipment supported by the Government of Japan is a practical contribution to strengthen Viet Nam’s border capacity post-COVID-19,” the IOM Chief of Mission, Ms. Park Mihyung, also stressed. “The pandemic brought into focus the vital role that migration play in our societies, and the need for more effective mechanisms that both protects and empowers migrants as important members of our communities. As Viet Nam has successfully reopened the borders, our challenge is to continue supporting safe movements of people, especially those who travel overseas to work, ensuring that they are provided with accurate information, empowered to make informed decisions, and protect themselves from the risks when working overseas,” Ms Park Mihyung added.

Earlier this year, IOM also introduced health handbooks for Vietnamese migrant workers living in Japan and the Republic of Korea, which provide basic information, advice, and guidance for health needs of migrant workers. The handbook is available online at: https://mhwg.org.vn/en/library/. IOM is working closely with the Ministry of Health and local authorities to ensure that migrants have access to essential health services and to leave no one behind, especially in the “new normal” phase in Viet Nam.

For further information contact:

IOM Viet Nam:

Nguyen Ngoc Tram, National Communications Officer - Email: ngocnguyen@iom.int ; Mobile: 0912893964