Cows are essential to millions of families in rural parts of Viet Nam. They are not only a source of food, but they provide an important labour on farms, driving income in many households.  Recognizing that cows are key to long-term poverty reduction, over the past five years, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society has provided nearly 20,000 cows worth of USD 8.1 million in 61 cities and provinces, including 62 poor districts and 452 bordering communes. Also known as the “cow bank project”, the Red Cross hopes to empower local communities with the initiative.

With five-years of progress underway, the Viet Nam Red Cross hosted a conference on 30 November 2015, to reflect on its achievements to date.The event was attended by the State President and Honorary President of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society. As the ambassador for the cow bank project, the State President’s attendance was an endorsement for its ongoing success.

 “The achievements of the cow bank project can be attributed to strong cooperation with relevant government agencies at both the headquarters and local levels, the media, telecommunication companies, mass organizations and national banks,” explains Tran Thi Hong An, Vice President, Viet Nam Red Cross Society.

 This collaboration has been key in allowing the Viet Nam Red Cross to drive rural development in Viet Nam. The cow bank project also educates rural communities about cow raising, and disease prevention techniques. The calves from cows are given to other poor families, multiplying the project impact.

 “The Red Cross wants to empower our local community members and contribute to poverty reduction,” continues Tran Thai Hong An. “As we benchmark five years of success, we will build on the project results to expand for another five years. It is our hope to help as many families as we can. This is the essence of our work in the Red Cross,” he said.

Infographic on Cow bank program achievement in VIETNAMESE language.