Vietnam introduces white cane programme to support blind people
The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) on December 5 launched an initiative aiming to provide one million white canes for the blind and visually-impaired people in Vietnam.
At the launching ceremony for the initiative to provide one million white canes for the blind and visually-impaired people in Vietnam (Photo: baodautu.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) onDecember 5 launched an initiative aiming to provide one million white canes forthe blind and visually-impaired people in Vietnam.
Priority will be given to the most vulnerable groups among the blind, said MPI MinisterNguyen Chi Dung at the launch ceremony in Hanoi.
He added that the white canes will be provided to the blind along withinstructions on how to use the device safely to support their mobility. Communicationcampaigns will also be held to raise public awareness.
National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong said the programme is amongvarious measures taken by the Vietnamese government so that no one is leftbehind in the process of social development.
Minister Dung said his ministry will incorporate the desires and wishes ofpeople with disabilities into the process of policy consultation andformulation, placing people at the centre of social development.
After the ceremony, over 1,000 white canes will be handed over to blind and visually-impaired people.
Vietnam currently has 24 million people part of vulnerable groups, with 6million people with disabilities, including 3 million blind and visually-impaired people./.
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The Vietnam Fatherland Front and other socio-political organisations should promote communications work and mobilise resources to better support blind people, helping them improve their livelihoods and well integrate into society, a senior Party official said.
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At the launching ceremony for the initiative to provide one million white canes for the blind and visually-impaired people in Vietnam
