According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vietnam is at high risk for the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases, or infections spread between animals and people. Further exacerbating this risk is Vietnam’s high vulnerability to climate change, including changes in rainfall patterns, saltwater intrusion, and more frequent and intense weather events and natural disasters, which can result in increased contact between wildlife, livestock, and humans and therefore increased disease spillover risk. Intensifying floods and storms also risk damage to local health infrastructure and people’s access to health services, impacting health workers’ ability to prevent, detect, and control diseases.

USAID, UNDP in Vietnam, and Can Tho City Department of Health collaborated to launch the One Health project in Can Tho City to build the local capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to climate change-related emerging infectious diseases. Moreover, the initiative will pilot provincial-level models that strengthen the climate change-related “One Health” response across the human, animal, and environmental health disciplines.

The project is expected to be implemented by Can Tho Municipal Department of Health from 2024 to 2028. Direct beneficiaries of the Project include workers in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, and environment, as well as residents in 5 pilot communes in Can Tho City. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from non-refundable ODA capital.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, spoke at the project launching ceremony.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, said the United States is a committed partner of Vietnam in addressing long-standing and emerging infectious disease threats, in line with our two countries’ shared priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Therefore, the initiative launched today will work with climate-vulnerable Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta. In consultation with local stakeholders, including businesses and women’s unions, the initiative will pilot provincial-level models that strengthen the climate change-related “One Health” response across the human, animal, and environmental health disciplines. Potential activities include upgrading primary health infrastructure to support continuity of services during extreme weather events, expanding telehealth options, and equipping local authorities and health systems to be better positioned to respond to climate-induced public health threats.

"In the Mekong Delta, worsening drought, saltwater intrusion, and tropical storms can lead to more dengue and other vector-borne diseases, as well as infectious diseases passing from animals to humans. The project will help authorities, communities, and partners in Can Tho City to identify, prevent, and respond to public health threats related to climate change. This recognizes the close link between human health, animal health, and the environment," said Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, at the event.

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, delivered a speech at the event.

During the ceremony, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Nguyen Thuc Hien emphasized that climate change is a global challenge that has negative impacts on all aspects of life. Given its central location in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho City serves as a significant destination for migrants from other cities in the region and a vital transportation hub for people and goods from the Mekong Delta to places such as Ho Chi Minh City and other localities.

The official stated that Can Tho authorities recognized these challenges and promptly issued an action plan to respond to climate change for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050. The planned activities within USAID’s One Health project in Vietnam align with the vision of Can Tho City's Action Plan.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien also highlighted that the launching of USAID’s One Health project in Can Tho City is an important milestone in establishing trust and cooperation between various parties. He expressed his belief that, with the close collaboration between Can Tho, USAID, UNDP, authorities, and other stakeholders, this project will successfully contribute to safeguarding public health and supporting a prosperous, sustainable, and resilient Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.