Japan invests USD 1.5 million in IOM and FAO-led project to strengthen One Health capacity in Viet Nam's border province

Hanoi – The Government of Japan has contributed USD 1.5 million to support a joint initiative by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to boost health security in Viet Nam’s border provinces. The project will enhance early warning systems, disease detection and cross-sector collaboration to prevent health risks from spreading across borders.

The funding will support the One Health approach, an integrated strategy that recognizes the close link between human, animal and environmental health. The initiative will strengthen disease prevention efforts in the provinces of Ha Giang, Ha Tinh, Dong Thap and An Giang, where cross-border movement increases the risk of infectious outbreaks.

“I am proud to launch the holistic collaboration between experts from Japan and Viet Nam, along with several UN agencies including IOM, FAO and World Health Organization." said Mr Ito Naoki, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam. "I am confident that we have a significant opportunity to promote the health of people in Viet Nam, foster multi-sectoral partnerships and build a healthier future for all."

Protecting two million people from health threats

The project will:

• Raise awareness among cross-border communities on disease risks and prevention.
• Train 80 One Health taskforce members and 240 health professionals on outbreak response.
• Deploy portable real-time PCR diagnostic machines for faster disease detection.
• Conduct simulation exercises on human outbreaks of avian influenza and rabies.
• Strengthen cooperation between Viet Nam, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic on outbreak preparedness.

"The health of people, animals and ecosystems is interconnected," said Kendra Rinas, Chief of Mission of IOM Viet Nam. "By applying the One Health approach, we can prevent cross-border disease transmission and protect two million residents in these provinces," she added.

“FAO has long supported Viet Nam in applying One Health in agrifood system transformation,” said Dr Rémi Nono Womdim, FAO Representative in Viet Nam. “With Japan’s support, we are now enhancing cross-border collaboration to prevent and control animal and human disease outbreaks.” he added.

This initiative builds on existing disease prevention efforts and will create a One Health task force to improve coordination between health, agriculture and border security sectors.