Child protection extends beyond healthcare to encompass urgent social issues such as drowning, violence, and child abuse. Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc stated, "As children increasingly use digital devices, researching an emergency rescue application could help them access support faster when in danger." He made these remarks at a cooperation signing ceremony between the Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Tam Anh Healthcare Ecosystem - VNVC - ECO - Nutrihome on 3/6 in Hanoi.

In 2025, the 111 National Child Protection Hotline received nearly 360,000 calls and over 4,600 online notifications. Many of these cases involved violence, abuse, or situations requiring urgent assistance. While a single call can lead to social workers or authorities reaching a child within 30 minutes to one hour, many individuals are unaware of this hotline number or do not call.

Therefore, the Deputy Minister proposed developing a mobile application that functions similarly to the 111 National Child Protection Hotline. This app would allow abused and exploited children to quickly send distress signals and connect with support systems.

Children swimming at a beach in Nghe An. *Photo: Duc Hung*

Dinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, acknowledged numerous challenges in maternal and child care and protection. These include disparities in access to healthcare services across regions, risks from emerging infectious diseases, injuries, drowning, violence, child abuse, and mental health issues. Other concerns include nutrition, reproductive health, newborn and child health, and premarital health. Additionally, while many infectious diseases are vaccine-preventable, communication efforts remain limited.

Currently, most maternal and child deaths or injuries could be prevented with timely communication, education, disease prevention, and intervention. However, a significant challenge is the limited resources for communication and raising community awareness. Tuan emphasized, "This reality highlights the urgent need to strengthen coordination among state agencies, the healthcare system, schools, families, and communities to build a more effective support network for women and children."

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc speaking at the signing ceremony on 4/6. *Photo: T.Minh*

At the event, the Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Tam Anh Healthcare Ecosystem - VNVC - ECO - Nutrihome signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation. The agreement aims to boost communication, professional training, and enhance the effectiveness of the 111 hotline. The two parties will also implement nationwide healthcare and protection programs for women and children.

Ha Thu Nga, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Tam Anh General Hospital and Deputy General Director of Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC), stated that the two parties are collaborating with the shared goal of improving the quality of healthcare and protection for women and children. This public-private partnership model will leverage each party's strengths, contributing to comprehensive solutions ranging from disease prevention, vaccination, nutrition, and treatment to mental healthcare, fostering a safe and healthy living environment for women and children.

Le Nga