The Vietnam Red Cross Society has launched a 65-day fundraising campaign themed "65 Years of Vietnam-Cuba Friendship" to support the Cuban people. The campaign calls for nationwide contributions, reflecting the strong bond between the two countries.

As of midday 13/8, donations reached nearly 140 billion VND, exceeding the initial target by over 200% in just two days. VnExpress interviewed Nguyen Hai Anh, vice president and secretary general of the society, about the campaign's significance and plans.

Nguyen Hai Anh, vice president and secretary general of the Vietnam Red Cross Society. Photo: Son Ha

Nguyen Hai Anh, vice president and secretary general of the Vietnam Red Cross Society. Photo: Son Ha

The campaign aims to alleviate the significant challenges Cuba faces due to the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and ongoing embargoes. This 65-day nationwide initiative aims to gather support from all segments of Vietnamese society. It not only provides humanitarian aid but also symbolizes the enduring relationship between the two nations.

Cuba is currently experiencing a severe crisis. The prolonged impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a deep economic decline, compounded by earthquakes, storms, and floods since 2024, causing significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.

Extensive power plant damage and depleted energy supplies have forced rolling blackouts, directly affecting hospitals, schools, and daily life. The healthcare system faces shortages of medicine and essential supplies, leading to patient delays and limited treatment options. Food shortages due to disrupted production and the embargo have caused price hikes, impacting vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children.

Launch of the fundraising campaign to support the Cuban people, 13/8. Photo: VGP

Launch of the fundraising campaign to support the Cuban people, 13/8. Photo: VGP

To ensure aid reaches those in need, the Vietnam Red Cross Society is collaborating with the Cuban Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), including the IFRC's Latin America regional office. The Vietnam Red Cross Society is committed to transparency, ensuring public access to information about the campaign's fundraising, aid reception, and distribution processes. The Cuban Red Cross Society will develop a reception and distribution plan and provide updates to Vietnam, ensuring the aid's proper use and targeted delivery.

The campaign's rapid success in surpassing its initial target demonstrates the strong support of the Vietnamese people for Cuba and their trust in the Vietnam Red Cross Society. Within 30 hours, the minimum target of 65 billion VND was reached, and within 48 hours, nearly 140 billion VND was raised. The campaign continues until 16/10, aiming to gather further support from organizations, individuals, and Vietnamese citizens at home and abroad, strengthening the Vietnam-Cuba friendship.

This initial success highlights Vietnam's ability to mobilize community support for international humanitarian efforts. Well-prepared programs with clear messages, strong inter-agency coordination, and public engagement yield positive outcomes. The Vietnam Red Cross Society hopes this spirit of compassion will extend to other humanitarian programs, from supporting those affected by natural disasters and diseases to blood donation drives, caring for underprivileged children, and assisting struggling fishermen.

Fidel Castro welcomes Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet in Havana (10/7/1993). Photo: TTXVN

Fidel Castro welcomes Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet in Havana (10/7/1993). Photo: TTXVN

Nguyen Hai Anh's personal commitment to this campaign stems from his upbringing during the war, hearing stories about Cuba's support for Vietnam. He recalls Fidel Castro's visit to Quang Tri, crossing the 17th parallel, and his declaration, "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to donate even our blood." Having studied in Cuba in 1985 and later served in a Vietnamese delegation there, Anh experienced firsthand the warmth and affection Cubans showed him as a Vietnamese person. These experiences motivate him and the Vietnam Red Cross Society to reinforce the enduring bond between the two nations, upholding the tradition of gratitude and mutual support.

Donation Information:

Unit Name: Vietnam Red Cross Society

Account Number: 2022, Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MBBank)

Transfer Note: CUBA

Donation Period: From 13/8/2025 to 16/10/2025.

Son Ha