The ICC Germany-Vietnam is excited to share this transformative project opportunity of Rotary Club Saigon International (based in Vietnam) that could benefit from the support of dedicated Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. This initiative aims to provide life-saving medical care to babies and little kids in Vietnam. Together, we can make a profound impact. Read on to learn more about the initiative of Rotary Club Saigon International and how your Rotary Club can get involved:

From Hearts to Hearts: sponsor surgical expenses for Vietnamese children born with Congenital heart disease

In Vietnam, an estimated 8-10 out of 1,000 live births annually result in children with congenital heart diseases (CHD), totaling around 15,000 new cases each year—a condition that is both preventable and curable with timely medical intervention. Half of these children require intervention, and without timely and correct treatment, 85% will not survive to adulthood.

Nowadays, Vietnam’s medical workforce is equipped to handle most treatments, but various challenges hinder the accessibility of quality healthcare, particularly for those residing in rural areas, which account for roughly 65% of the total population. As a result, affected children endure a diminished quality of life, experiencing insufficient mental and physical development. Many cases go undiagnosed, and a significant number of children perish while awaiting assistance. Additionally, the high costs associated with surgery, relative to the income of affected families, contribute to a significant number of untreated cases. The average cost per surgery is approximately USD 4,500, which is equivalent to a substantial percentage of an individual’s annual income, as measured by GDP per capita. Though the government covers about half of that cost (USD 2,350 per surgery), the remaining expenses, combined with the loss of income from a parent who stays home to support the child, can push families of affected children back into poverty.

This is where the “From Hearts to Hearts” project steps in. Driven by the Rotary Club Saigon International, the project aims to address these challenges by supporting surgical costs and enhancing access to quality healthcare, particularly for those in rural areas. By fostering timely medical interventions, the project seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged children, helping them reach adulthood with improved health and opportunities.

To achieve this, the Rotary Club Saigon International collaborates with the Heartbeat Program of the VinaCapital Foundation, an INGO with 18 years of experience in addressing CHD in children. Each surgery costs USD 4,500, half of which is covered by the government’s Medical Insurance Coverage, with the remaining half funded by Rotary and other donors of the Heartbeat Program. Our donation of USD 1,500 per child ensures that 100% of the funds directly benefit the children. This project has a proven track record of success and is ready to scale up.

In the Rotary year 2022/2023, Rotary Club Saigon International (RCSI) as the host club and RI District 3740 (Korea) as the international sponsor club, together raised USD 38,100 through their first global grant. With additional funding from the DDF of RI District 3740, RI District 3510 (Taiwan), total grant enabled 30 Vietnamese children to receive life-saving surgeries, bringing hope to their parents, extended families, and communities. RCSI submitted the closing report to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) in April 2024.

In the following year, recognizing the significant impact of the funding, Rotary District 3740 generously sponsored the second global grant and once again served as the international host club. This time, DDF from all three districts in Korea being RI District 3740, RI District 3662, and RI District 3680, along with cash contributions from 12 clubs, raised a total of USD 87,000 to cover life-saving surgical expenses for 70 children. The project is ongoing, and we expect all surgeries to be completed by October 2024.

Seeing the children return to the playground and rejoin schools, with their parents relieved and able to return to the workforce, and witnessing the communities becoming more optimistic about a “miracle,” inspires us to continue our non-stop efforts to raise funds and bring light to their lives.

What Rotary Club Saigon International is looking for

  • International Host Club: Rotary Club Saigon International looks for an international host club to partner with.

  • Target Contribution: USD 1,500 per child for 30-45 children.
  • Project Size: USD 45,000 – USD 67,500.
  • Direct Impact: All donations go directly to project implementation.

With a USD 1,500 Contribution, You Can: Save a child’s life, help them return to school and play like other children in playground, prevent their family from falling into the poverty trap, support entire families in some cases, and inspire hope for extended families and the community.

For further details, please contact:

Tuyet Nguyen

Vice President, Rotary Club Saigon International

Email: tuyet.rotary3350@gmail.com