Vietnam – Da Nang

The Need

The Vietnam you see today is steeped in ancient rites and traditions that have survived throughout history. However, the Vietnamese are suffering tremendously due to their poor health care system and lack of resources. Doctors are disproportionately located in inner cities leaving the rural villages without adequate access to care.  Consequently, thousands die every year in Vietnam due to preventable illnesses. Infectious diseases, such as Dengue fever, still remain a big public health concern in Vietnam. Also, non-communicable diseases are having a strong impact in rural communities. International Medical Relief is partnering with Vietnam to achieve a major goal of the country: to improve access to healthcare and preventative education to health conditions. This is why International Medical Relief (IMR) has been invited to the rural areas of Vietnam: to provide quality medical assistance to citizens who would otherwise be unable to access it.  

For clinic, your team will travel to many small villages on the plains and in the mountains to provide medical aid to communities that are left out of the healthcare system. You will help provide expert medical care, including lab work, and will help educate locals about the importance of hand washing, oral hygiene, purification and storage of drinking water, family planning, safe sex, and pain management. You will treat entire families, the elderly, war victims, and vibrant young people.

Our Work

International Medical Relief started collaborating with Vietnam in 2016. IMR continues to grow and strengthen our partnership with the community and since 2019, IMR has conducted four clinics. During the span of the four clinics, we had 131 volunteers and staff working with over 3,000 patients. 

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

The southeast Asian country of Vietnam is famous for its ancient history, Buddhist pagodas, diverse culture, and stunning beaches. This land of staggering beauty is proud to have multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Nina Binh Province, Halong Bay, My Son Sanctuary, and the Complex of Hue Monuments. Vietnam also boasts over 2,000 miles of beaches, over 2,000 rivers, and over 12 million hectares of forest. There is certainly no shortage of fantastic panoramas, especially along the coast where the spectacular seascape stretches as far as the eye can see. There are also stunning natural features as you move inland, including one of the top caving destinations in the world. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has dramatic mountains, huge caverns that extend 19 miles underground, and swimmable wet caves!

The big cities of Vietnam are just as beautiful and are bustling with life. Not unlike the land, the architecture in Vietnam is beautiful and varied. In some regions, you will find traditional wooden roofs, but in others you will see castles, citadels, temples, French Colonial-era villas, and European stages. Inspired by the country’s Chinese, Indian, and Khmer roots and the regions colonial history, the buildings here are spectacular. And, any visit to Vietnam warrants a stop at The Temple of Literature, a great example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, which was dedicated to Confucius when it was built in 1070. Although still developing, the country has made impressive strides towards improving their national economy. However, the healthcare system here is still not adequate and doctors are disproportionately located in inner cities. Consequently, thousands of Vietnamese people die annually from preventable illnesses due to preventable illnesses. Please join our IMR teams as we provide quality medical assistance to citizens who would otherwise be unable to access it!

Lodging/Transportation

Your team will work on the Central Coast of Vietnam. You will have the opportunity to begin to understand two distinct Vietnamese cultures within this beautiful country as you travel out each day to small villages on the plains and in the mountains. Your team will stay in a modern hotel in Da Nang and in comfortable accommodations while in the mountains. You will enjoy the most flavorful foods available in Vietnam, including mì quảng (rice noodles with turmeric and fish or meat), bún chả cá (fish ball noodle soup), bún mắm (seafood gumbo), cánh gà chiên mắm (fried chicken wings in fish sauce), and mít trộn (a salad mixed with jackfruit and pork rind). To make your stay as stress-free as possible, IMR will pre-arrange all of the transportation to and from clinic and excursions noted in the itinerary. For airport transportation, please opt to join the group flight or book your own transportation with Worldwide Navigators here.

Highlights

One of the many highlights of this trip is the opportunity to serve patients who, without you and your team, would not have access to healthcare. The life-changing impact that you have on community members will be something that you take home with you, and your sense of accomplishment will leave you wanting to return for another relief trip. Outside of clinic, your most fond memory will be your trip to the ancient but stunning port city of Hoi An. Here, you will bargain in one of the oldest markets in Vietnam, so come prepared to haggle with vendors offer delicious dried fruits and fish, coffee, wine, handmade jewelry, silk, and flowers!

Extend Your Stay

You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Vietnam to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive 4-Day , 3-Night trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators! Some of the trip highlights include:

• Exploration of Thein Canh Son cave, covered in stalactites and stalagmites
• A luxury boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Kayaking Tour around Vung Vieng, a floating fishing village

Click here to learn more about this trip extension!