Landmark Youth Survey launched in Viet Nam
Hanoi, 26 August 2005: The largest and most comprehensive survey of young people ever conducted in Viet Nam was launched in Hanoi today. Drawing on the responses of 7,584 young people aged between 14 and 25 years, the results provide new and extensive information on the social life, attitudes and aspirations of young Vietnamese people today. “This national survey, the first of its kind in Viet Nam, represents an important collaborative partnership between many Government and international agencies and young people. The information collected will be used to direct and shape youth policy in Viet Nam and to promote the healthy development of young people across the country. The survey is the first stage of an ongoing process that will monitor how youth are faring in this country,” said Dr Tran Chi Liem, Vice Minister of Health. The survey known as SAVY, which stands for Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth, was carried out by the Ministry of Health (MoH), the General Statistics Office (GSO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Nearly 7600 participants from 42 provinces across the country including males and females, married and unmarried, Kinh and ethnic minority. “The results from SAVY show that many young people are optimistic, hard working and ambitious, with strong family and community networks,” said Madame Tong Thi Dua, Deputy Director of Social and Environmental Department from General Statistic Office. “However,” she added, “… the changing social and economic environment here in Viet Nam does present considerable challenges for young people. Those from ethnic minority backgrounds and those who live in remote areas are particularly vulnerable to risk where poverty and lack of information act as a barrier to education and employment.” The survey highlighted a number of key findings: - Young people in Viet Nam have a very strong sense of connection with their families- the family unit is valued and respected. “SAVY’s findings highlight the need to prioritise a number of issues for future programming. In particular, attention needs to be focused on those groups most vulnerable to risk and these include ethnic minority young people,” commented Dr. Christian Salazar, Senior Programme Coordinator of UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam. WHO indicated its support for continuing SAVYs in the future. “SAVY has provided very useful baseline data and it is important that this information is regularly updated by Government. WHO would be happy to work with others in support of a second and subsequent SAVY, based on a five year timeline,” said Dr. Hans Troedssen, WHO Representative in Viet Nam. Major recommendations of SAVY include: 1. Prioritising the issues of job creation; educational opportunities for all; reducing risks associated with legal drug use (alcohol and smoking); improving knowledge about sexual and reproductive health; changing attitudes and behaviour on condom use and reducing the risk of traffic accidents. For further information, please contact: Ministry of Health General Statistic Office UNICEF Viet Nam WHO in Viet Nam
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