Apart from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) continues to be an important rehabilitation service provider in Vietnam. MOLISA currently manages nearly 800 centers that provide various types of rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. On March 21-22, USAID helped organize the 2019 Annual Social Welfare Conference, where MOLISA and its branches mapped out their plan for providing rehabilitation services from 2020 to 2030, in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. This is the first time MOLISA has decided to make a decade-long plan for rehabilitation services. Discussions covered key elements for improving the service system, including the types of services provided, governance, workforce, finance, data, and technology needs.

So What? MOLISA is strategically planning for its rehabilitation services in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and WHO, which will lead to a stronger and more sustainable service delivery system in Vietnam. USAID’s relationships with MOLISA and key communities will continue to help strengthen the U.S.-Vietnam strategic partnership.