Vietnam
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has the third largest population in ASEAN with a population of 96 million people (the world’s 13th largest) in an area about one third that of New South Wales.
Vietnam’s health status has significantly improved with the overall basic health indicators being better than those of other developing countries in the region with similar or even higher per capita incomes. The country is moving towards universal health coverage, however progress is unequal and inequities and disparities in health outcomes continue to persist among the poor, ethnic minorities and those living in the hard to reach areas.
Our project is in Mai Châu district, a mountainous area home to many ethnic minority groups, located 135 km north of Hanoi - the capital city of Vietnam. This idyllic valley is embraced by emerald mountains and clouds, making it a popular retreat location in North Vietnam.
Opportunities
Nursing (Download Flyer)
Located in the ethnically diverse Mai Châu district, in northern Vietnam, 135 km north of Hanoi, this two or three week placement collaborates with remote village communes and the central health district on a variety of community development projects via the Mai Châu General Hospital. These are focussed on delivering primary health outreach to disadvantaged populations through mobile clinics and health education workshops, placing student groups in uniquely experiential situations that alleviate poverty, respect indigenous cultures and protect local environments.
The placement provides students the opportunity to observe and work in cooperation with doctors and nurses whilst also providing health checks and health education to residents in surrounding villages.
We often get mixed groups and so we can run a primary health program for nursing and physio students to work on together.