Beehive stoves, which are popular in Vietnam, rely on coal and produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide, which can be toxic to human and animal health. It is estimated that Hanoi alone consumes approximately 528 tons of coal and produces 1,870 tons of carbon dioxide per day. On September 29, USAID’s Clean Air Green Cities project partnered with local authorities, Coca-Cola, and Namilux, a leading Vietnamese gas stove producer, to organize “Stove Swap Day” - an event to raise public awareness of the negative health impacts of air pollution from beehive stoves. During the event in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem locality, 94 gas stoves were donated to residents in exchange for their current beehive stoves. In addition, free screenings were conducted for 84 individuals, focusing on cardiovascular, ear, nose, throat, and respiratory health.

So What? The “Stove Swap Day” event contributes to USAID’s efforts to address air pollution and its health impacts in Hanoi by mobilizing a network of local partners (including youth, schools, communities, civic and social organizations, businesses, and governments) to take collective action and advocate for clean air. This pilot will then be used to advocate for scaling up to other parts of the city and the country.