Hanoi (VNA) – Over 1 million people received help during the Humanitarian Month (May 1-31) at a total value of more than 440 billion VND (19.1 million USD), reported the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS).

The month, themed “For a safe community”, was the first of its kind launched by the VRCS Central Committee as directed by the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat.

Accordingly, all municipal and provincial VRCS chapters embarked on activities to the welcome of the public, including offering free health care and holding nearly 3,000 sessions to raise public awareness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

They also distributed over 4.3 million masks, some 61,500 soap bars and hand sanitizer bottles, nearly 18,500 protective suits, along with large amount of daily necessities as well as cash to those in need.

A wide range of support models such as on-the-spot and mobile markets were launched in pandemic hotspots, together with other activities such as distribution of gifts, free meals for patients in need, and home repair for poor households.

During the month, the VRCS built 1,589 houses for the poor, organised 175 humanitarian fairs, offered over 30,300 free vouchers, free check-ups and medicines to more than 127,100 people, and collected over 76,600 units of blood./.