Transforming Healthcare in Viet Nam: How Clean Water and Climate Resilience Revitalised Yen Thanh District Hospital
For years, patients hesitated to stay at Yen Thanh District General Hospital in Viet Nam’s Nghe An province. The hospital’s lack of a reliable clean water supply meant basic hygiene needs, such as brushing teeth or showering, could not be met. The problem stemmed from competition for water resources with the agricultural sector, leading to seasonal water shortages during harvest time.
Dr. Phan Thi Thuy, Head of the Department of Infection Control at Yen Thanh Hospital, described the severe impact this had on patient safety and public health. “We relied on tap water, but it was often cut off. There wasn’t enough water for essential needs like flushing toilets or washing hands. Patients didn’t want to stay here,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the hospital remains a cornerstone of the community, catering to over 140,000 visits and 16,000 inpatients annually. However, the situation at Yen Thanh is not unique. Almost half of healthcare facilities in Viet Nam face similar struggles, lacking consistent access to clean water, stable energy supplies, and proper waste management—all crucial for infection prevention and control (IPC). These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by climate change, with storms, floods, and droughts further destabilizing healthcare infrastructure.
Recognizing these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Viet Nam’s Health Environment Management Agency (VIHEMA), launched a pilot program in 2021 to address these systemic issues. Focused on Yen Thanh and hospitals in Ben Tre and Lao Cai provinces, the initiative implemented the "4Ns" model: improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); building capacity and awareness; promoting energy efficiency and green energy; and upgrading infrastructure and technology.
Dr. Luyen Van Trinh, Director of Yen Thanh Hospital, worked closely with Dr. Thuy to bring these changes to life. “We surveyed and built a new raw water supply and treatment system. We also conducted education and behavioral change campaigns to adapt to climate change,” Dr. Trinh explained.
The transformation has been profound. A new water system, capable of processing 200 cubic meters daily, has drastically improved hygiene and patient care. “Now, we can reduce disease transmission risks and help patients recover faster. Patients are much happier now,” Dr. Thuy noted. The upgraded infrastructure has also enabled the hospital to expand its range of medical procedures, ensuring better care for its community.
The success of Yen Thanh and the other pilot hospitals has made them models for climate-resilient healthcare across Viet Nam. In November 2023, the Ministry of Health joined the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), further cementing the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Viet Nam, lauded the program’s success. “Yen Thanh’s improvements demonstrate the tangible benefits of climate-resilient, low-carbon healthcare. Scaling these initiatives nationwide can improve health outcomes, enhance equity, and contribute to Viet Nam’s carbon reduction goals. It’s an investment in a safer, healthier future in the face of climate change,” she said.
By addressing the critical intersection of climate resilience and public health, Viet Nam is paving the way for a sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of its people while safeguarding the environment.
