Gia Lai, 21 January 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam in coordination with Gia Lai Provincial Department of Health, held a handover ceremony for climate resilience support components for grassroots healthcare facilities and local communities across the province. This activity is part of the project entitled "Accelerating renewable energy development and strengthening climate resilience for enhanced human security and sustainable growth in Viet Nam," funded by the Japanese government.

The project aims to strengthen resilience to the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services during disasters, flooding, and power outages, while safeguarding lives, assets, and livelihoods in vulnerable areas.

Eight healthcare facilities in Phu My Commune have been equipped with solar power systems integrated with battery energy storage. These include My Cat, My Tai, My Tho, My Chau, My Duc, My Thang, and My Chanh Commune Health Stations, as well as Phu My District Medical Center. In addition, a medical wastewater treatment system applying Japan’s Johkasou technology has been installed at Phu My District Medical Center, helping to ensure environmental safety and reduce the risk of water pollution, particularly during and after natural disasters.

The eastern area of Gia Lai Province is frequently affected by storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding, which often disrupt electricity supply and place significant pressure on grassroots healthcare services. The operation of renewable energy solutions and sustainable wastewater treatment systems enables health stations and medical centers to maintain stable operations, ensuring emergency care, vaccine storage, and medical examination and treatment for local people.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Vu Thai Truong, Head of the Climate Change, Energy and Environment Programme at UNDP Viet Nam, emphasized: “Strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system is not only a development priority, but an essential requirement to protect human lives in the context of increasingly severe climate change.”

Also at the handover ceremony, Dr. Dinh Ha Nam, Director of the Gia Lai Provincial Department of Health, stated: “The completion of this project is not only technically significant, but also important in scaling up disaster prevention models and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services under all harsh environmental conditions.”

On the same day, UNDP, the Government of Japan and Gia Lai Provincial Department of Finance, also handed over storm- and flood-resilient houses to households in coastal and other vulnerable areas.

Under the project, 40 climate-resilient houses were constructed and completed on schedule in Hoai Nhon, Hoai Nhon Bac, Hoai Nhon Dong wards, as well as Cat Tien and Ngo May communes. The houses were designed to suit local climatic conditions and meet structural safety standards, helping households live with greater peace of mind and recover more quickly after disasters.

“The houses handed over today are not just shelters, but protective shields for lives, sources of psychological security, and foundations for families to stabilize their lives in the face of increasing disaster risks,” Mr. Vu Thai Truong added.
Representing the local authorities, Mr. Tran Vu Thanh Hung, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Provincial Department of Finance, noted: “In a context of limited local budget resources, accessing and effectively using non-refundable ODA from international partners such as UNDP is highly practical, contributing to the realization of the province’s social welfare and disaster risk reduction goals.”

Gia Lai province is frequently affected by storms, flooding, storm surges, and extreme weather events, which cause significant damage to healthcare infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods. Simultaneous investment in climate-resilient healthcare systems and safe housing reflects a preventive approach that helps reduce losses, ease pressure on emergency relief and post-disaster recovery, and contribute to building safer and more sustainable communities in the face of climate change.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Phan Huong Giang   
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org 
Mobile: 0948466688