On Thursday, representatives from the Da Nang’s Department of Health, its Department of Education and Training, and the local Association for Supporting Poor and Disadvantaged Women and Children, jointly signed a cooperation agreement for a programme to provide treatment for poor children with congenital heart problems over the 2016 - 2020 period.

The signing was witnessed by the municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman cum Head of the city’s Department of Publicity and Training, Mr Dang Viet Dung. 

Under the agreement, relevant local agencies will screen local children for early detection of such problems before they are vaccinated.  Another focus will be on ensuring the effective implementation of healthcare programmes in local schools, military service examination centres, and healthcare establishments.

Meanwhile, the education and training offices, along with local schools at all levels, will join efforts with the municipal Department of Health to provide health check-ups for their pupils.

The Association for Supporting Poor and Disadvantaged Women and Children will appeal for donations from domestic and foreign donors to raise money for funding any surgery and post-surgery costs for poor children with congenital heart disease. 

Over the past 6 years, the Association has raised a total of over 18 billion VND to help 413 heart patients aged between 1 and 20.  Between 2016 and 2020, they will appeal for over 20 billion VND from donors to support the costs of surgery for another 400 children.