Good Health Contributes to Economic Development

Interview with Mr. Tran Anh Vinh
Vice Director
The Center for Reproductive and Family Health
9 May 2001

The Hanoi-based Center for Reproductive and Family Health works to

• promote community involvement in adolescent sexual and reproductive health

• improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health services at the commune level

• encourage safe sex

• enhance the quality of community-based reproductive health care in northern rural areas of Vietnam.

ADB provided a $10,000 grant to the Center under a regional technical assistance facility created to support small and innovative initiatives of women's NGOs (RETA 5889).

Q. What is the most important health issue in Viet Nam today?

A. The most important priority in our country is to grow the national economy with the help of funds from ADB and other organizations. To develop the economy we need to reduce bureaucracy, corruption, and poverty. To reduce poverty, we need good health. Reproductive health is the main issue. Weak people cannot develop the economy. Healthy, strong people are more productive and contribute to economic development.

Q. How can ADB strengthen its relations with nongoverment organizations?

A. I would like to make three points.

1. Last year, ADB gave our NGO a small grant to establish laboratories in five communes situated in remote areas. It is an innovative project because it has never existed before. It is very convenient for people of the community, because they do not have to travel far and they are treated quickly.

2. ADB could support training and capacity building of NGOs.

3. ADB could set up a mechanism whereby some percent of the amount loaned to the government would go to support NGO projects.

Q. Why did you come to Honolulu and what are your expectations for this meeting?

A. I have come to Hawaii, this beautiful island with nice people, to engage in discussions with the Board of Directors, management, and staff of ADB, as well as with ADB member country delegations. I am meeting with many NGOs from different countries to exchange experience and learn lessons from them.

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Bart Edes, NGO External Relations Officer, ADB