The Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFFCC) launched the “Month for the Poor” from October 17 to November 18.

At the launch ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh said poverty reduction and caring for the poor is a major priority of Party and State policy. It is not only an economic issue but also foundational for maintaining political stability, social security, and national defence.

He called on all individuals and organizations - both foreign and domestic - to promote solidarity with and support for the poor, especially those in remote and mountainous areas, ethnic minority people, and victims of natural disasters.

He urged ministries, departments, and local people’s committees to actively coordinate with the VFF to implement poverty reduction policies and programmes.

In the first nine months of this year, domestic and foreign individuals and organisations have donated more than VND4,400 billion to the Fund for the Poor and the Social Welfare Programme. More than 65,000 houses have been either built or repaired. Millions of poor people have been offered free medical check-ups and treatment.

VFFCC President Huynh Dam said that over the past 12 years the Fund has raised VND7,190 billion, funding the construction of nearly 1.2 million houses.

Nearly 2.6 million households are classified poor in Vietnam and more than 1.5 million households are only just existing above the poverty line./.

(CPV/VOV)