The Central Highland province of Dak Nong spent nearly VND52 billion ($2.33 million) on poverty reduction in 2017, helping bring the poverty rate among local households down by 2.63% from 2016 to In particular, the poverty rate among ethnic minorities dropped by 9.34%. As of the end of 2017, the province counted 25,114 households with 112,150 persons living under the poverty line. Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Ton Thi Ngoc Hanh said, besides effectively implementing the Government’s policies, the province launched numerous policies and programs to support needy students, households, particularly those of ethnic minority groups. Special attention was paid to vocational training, housing, health insurance, clean water supply and education for minority ethnic groups, thus raising the living condition of local residents, while facilitating their access to State and community resources for economic development. Local poor and near poor households have changed their mindset and become more proactive in seeking ways to escape poverty through learning from others’ experience and using effectively the assistance provided by the State and community, she said. In 2018, the province aims to reduce the poor household rate by at least 2%, and by 3% among ethnic minority groups, in line with the multidimensional poverty standards. All households living under the poverty line will receive vocational training and help in job placement to raise their income, along with assistance to improve their access to basic social services such as education, health care and clean water. In order to ensure sustainable poverty reduction, in 2018, the province will take comprehensive measures for poverty reduction, while keeping close watch on changes in poverty situation and local population movement for timely response. The province has requested the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to collaborate with other relevant ministries and sectors in allocating funding timely for poverty reduction plans and projects. (VOV Jan 30)
