Humanitarian Campaign Initiated in Ho Chi Minh City during National Month of Compassion and Charity

Infusing Compassion: Vietnam's Humanitarian Journey in 2025

Ho Chi Minh City – The Việt Nam Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the HCM City People's Committee, has kicked off the 2025 National Humanitarian Month. This event marks the 50th anniversary of national reunification, the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day on May 8, and the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – 2025).

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Nguyễn Hải Anh, vice president and General Secretary of the Việt Nam Red Cross Society, underscored the importance of fostering a compassionate and empathetic society, ensuring no one is left behind – the theme for this year's event, "Humanitarian Journey – Spreading Love."

Initially celebrated informally in 2021, the Humanitarian Month has since raised more than VNĐ3.7 trillion (US$142.5 million) and assisted over 7.3 million vulnerable individuals. In 2022 alone, it garnered VNĐ763 billion ($29.3 million) and aided 1.6 million people.

The President of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Đỗ Văn Chiến, emphasized the role of the Humanitarian Month in inspiring compassion across society. Over the last 80 years, the Red Cross has demonstrated its professionalism as a humanitarian organization and its commitment to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Delegates at the launch of the 2025 National Humanitarian Month ceremony in HCM City on Thursday. -VNS Photo Thu Hằng

Chiẹn urged further development of diverse, professional, and transparent social resource mobilization, expansion of healthcare through voluntary blood and organ donation, first aid training, clean water, and community sanitation programs, and support for the unemployed, seniors, and those with disabilities.

Juan Pedro Schaerer, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross' Regional Delegation in Bangkok, Thailand, highlighted the critical role of the movement in a complex and polarized world, working tirelessly to address the growing humanitarian needs resulting from natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies.

Schools, hospitals, and local communities across Vietnam hosted various humanitarian activities, including voluntary blood donation drives, scholarship awards, free medical examinations and medications, and "zero đồng" supermarkets (free markets) as part of the 2025 National Humanitarian Month. -VNS

Behind the Scenes:The 2025 National Humanitarian Month in Vietnam, under the theme "Humanitarian Journey – Spreading Love," aims to support vulnerable communities through various activities. The key objectives and activities of this initiative are as follows:

Voluntary blood donation at the launch of the 2025 National Humanitarian Month ceremony in HCM City on Thursday. -VNS Photo Thu Hằng

Commemoration and Celebration: The event commemorates significant milestones such as the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025), World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8), and the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – 2025).
Promoting Humanitarian Values: The campaign emphasizes the dissemination of humanitarian values and support for vulnerable communities, including the poor, disaster victims, and those affected by conflict and disease.
Financial Target: The campaign aims to mobilize VNĐ400 billion (approximately 15.4 million USD) to implement humanitarian programs.
Support for Vulnerable Groups: The Humanitarian Month will include visits and gifts for Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, families of martyrs, war veterans, and former youth volunteers facing difficulties.
Healthcare and Infrastructure: The plans include conducting 50 free health check-up programs and building 500 Red Cross houses to provide shelter.
Livelihood Support: The initiative plans to provide livelihood support for 500 disadvantaged households.
Community Engagement: Local communities will engage in incense offerings at relic sites and floral tributes at the Ho Chi Minh Statue.

The overall objective is to assist at least 1.2 million people and support 100,000 humanitarian addresses across Vietnam.

Ai-powered algorithms are being used to streamline the process of mobilizing resources for the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
The space industry is considering ways to donate a portion of their profits to support the 2025 National Humanitarian Month initiatives.
Conflicts in certain regions worldwide have made the work of the Red Cross more crucial, and donations are directed towards providing aid in these areas.
Markets can play a significant role in promoting the Humanitarian Month by creating awareness and encouraging charity-focused sales.
Healthcare professionals are volunteering their services to provide free medical examinations and treatments during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Environmental challenges, such as climate change and pollution, form a significant aspect of the health crises addressed during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
War veterans and their families are among the vulnerable groups receiving support and visits during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Medicine donations, especially for chronic diseases like cancer and respiratory conditions, are a critical part of the assistance provided during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Humanitarian organizations are collaborating with local communities to set up clean water and sanitation programs during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Digestive health issues are being addressed through awareness campaigns and free screenings during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Eye health clinics are offering free examinations and providing glasses to those in need during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Hearing impaired individuals are receiving support in the form of hearing aids donated during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
The emphasis on health and wellness during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month extends to promoting mental health and psychological well-being.
Fitness and exercise centers are encouraging their members to participate in charity runs and yoga events during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Sexual health awareness is being promoted, with free screenings and counseling for STIs provided during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Autoimmune disorders are being addressed through research grants provided during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Climate change is a concern addressed not only in environmental science but also in humanitarian efforts, such as the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Manufacturing companies are pledging to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in renewable energy, as part of their commitment to the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Mental health issues, including stress and anxiety, are being addressed through workshops and support groups during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Men's health concerns, such as prostate cancer and heart disease, are being highlighted during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Skin care products and treatments are being donated to those in need during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Therapies and treatments for neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, are among the health services being provided during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Nutritional support, including the provision of meals and supplements, is a crucial aspect of the support given during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Aging populations are being supported with programs focused on elderly care during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Women's health, including menstrual health, gynecological care, and maternity support, is being addressed during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Parenting workshops, focused on childcare and family planning, are a part of the 2025 National Humanitarian Month initiatives.
Weight management programs are being offered to support those struggling with obesity during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Cardiovascular health is being promoted through education and screenings during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
The insurance industry is offering to waive premiums for certain policies for individuals in need, as part of the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
The banking and finance sector is offering financial literacy workshops and training programs during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Fintech companies are pledging to develop and donate technology solutions, such as mobile banking apps, to support those in need during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
Real estate developers are donating land for the construction of Red Cross houses during the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.
The stock market is encouraging companies to donate a portion of their profits to the 2025 National Humanitarian Month initiatives.
Venture capital firms are looking for opportunities to invest in businesses with a focus on social impact, as part of their support for the 2025 National Humanitarian Month.

Humanitarian Campaign Initiated in Ho Chi Minh City during National Month of Compassion and Charity