Children are at risk
There are around 26 million children living in Vietnam. In the past two decades their lives have improved in many ways: most are now attending education and have access to health care. The under-five and infant mortality rates have fallen significantly over the past decades as well. Despite major improvements to their quality of life, there are widening inequalities driven by ethnicity and place of origin, gender, and disability.1 in 3 children of ethnic minorities in Vietnam suffer from stunting, meaning they do not grow properly, while 1 in 5 are underweight according to 2019 estimates
6.7%
Of the population are living below the poverty line
Widespread poverty
In spite of improving conditions in recent decades that have propelled Vietnam to a middle-income country, poverty in Vietnam remains – an estimated 6.7% of the population is living below the nationally established poverty line.
There is an increasing disparity in the distribution of wealth between urban and rural areas of the country and between different ethnic groups. Ethnic minority groups, especially those living in rural mountainous areas are up to 4 times more likely to live in poverty than the members of the majority living in urban centres.
37%
Of the population lives in urban areas
Rural to urban migration
In recent years, the Vietnamese economy is one of the fastest growing in the region. There have been some changes, but state owned enterprises continue to account for about 40% of GDP. Agriculture is still the most important sector, employing nearly half of the population.
At present, about 37% of the population lives in urban areas, but this rate is increasing rapidly as most jobs are located in cities. Rural-urban migration can be detrimental to rural development and tends to increase the socio-economic disparities experienced by vulnerable households.
170,000
Children are without parental care
Losing parental care
Children from ethnic minorities and those living in rural areas, or in the northern mountainous regions, are more likely to live in poverty and less likely to attend school.
Children who are at risk of losing parental care include those whose parents have migrated in search of work. Their children are often left with grandparents or family members.
There are around 170,000 children without parental care in Vietnam.
Together we can make a difference for children in Vietnam
14,820
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools and take part in trainings
Are supported in the community
1,980
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
In many locations across Vietnam, SOS Children’s Villages supports local children and their families. When families come to us in search of support, we work closely with them to make sure they get the assistance or training they need so that they can stay together as a family (photo: J. Fuhr).
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives