The European Union and UNICEF join forces to restore clean water and sanitation for typhoon-affected communities in Viet Nam

The European Union, through its Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and UNICEF are delivering urgent humanitarian assistance to children and families affected by devastating typhoons in Viet Nam. Recent typhoons and floods have left an estimated 1.2 million people without safe drinking water and sanitation have caused widespread damage to homes, livelihoods, water systems, sanitation facilities, schools, and health centers. 

With this support from ECHO, UNICEF provide access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to more than 15,000 people, including children, women and persons with disabilities, across 10 communes in Cao Bang and Thai Nguyen provinces which were among the hardest hit by recent typhoons and floods. 

H.E. Mr. Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Viet Nam said “This new ECHO-UNICEF partnership allows us to bring life-saving support to communities deeply affected by this devastating typhoon season across North and Central Viet Nam. By prioritizing water and sanitation, we aim to safeguard the well-being of children, mothers and the most vulnerable during this critical time”.

The ECHO-supported emergency response is implemented together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment – aimed at restoring access to clean water and sanitation while promoting sustainable recovery and community resilience. It includes essential WASH supplies to affected households, schools, and health stations; cash assistance for vulnerable families to repair damaged WASH facilities; promotion of hygiene practices and training of local authorities and communities in climate-resilient WASH practices.

“When disasters strike, children are often the most vulnerable. Thanks to ECHO we can ensure that affected communities, particularly girls, boys, and women, regain access to clean water and safe sanitation,” said Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam.

The initiative builds on UNICEF’s long-standing partnership with the Government of Viet Nam which combines emergency relief with resilience building - ensuring that children can access essential services during disasters and better withstand future shocks.

About European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

The European Union, through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, ECHO ensures rapid and effective delivery of EU assistance through its partners, including UNICEF.

About UNICEF

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

For more information about the impact of multiple typhoons in Viet Nam:

Download UNICEF situation reports