Vietnam Full Moon Festival

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 communities within the country and has since had 131 volunteers and staff working with more than 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 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. This is why International Medical Relief has been invited to the rural areas of Vietnam: to 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 get to know two distinct cultures within this beautiful country as you travel 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 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). Don’t miss the Pho – soup for breakfast is the only way to start the day – although the strong Vietnamese coffee, sweetened with thick condensed milk, isn’t a bad way to start things off either!

Highlights

While the most rewarding aspect of this trip will be caring for Vietnam’s rural residents, the team will also have the opportunity to participate in Vietnam’s famous Full Moon Festival in the ancient port city of Hoi An.  You will visit the wondrous caves of the Marble Mountains and spend time in the magnificent UNESCO site of My Son Sanctuary.

Extend Your Stay

You’re journeying 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 trip extension provided by our partner Worldwide Navigators and some visit of the area’s highlights.

• Explore Thein Canh Son cave, which is covered in stalactites and stalagmites.
• Take a luxury boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Venture out onto the water on a kayaking tour around Vung Vieng, a floating fishing village

See the Extensions tab on this page for details on these amazing experiences!