The ministry said the event is very significant this year as 2010 has been selected as the year of ‘Clean water for a healthy world’. This is particularly important in Vietnam, which is among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change.

After the launch ceremony, health experts showed children how to correctly wash their hands with soap, while young people cleaned schools and streets.

On the occasion, construction of a VND 7.9-billion clean water supply station started in Khoi Ky commune.

Once operational in 2011, the station is expected to provide safe water to more than 3,100 people as well as offices, schools and health clinics in the commune.

According to the the National Programme on Rural Clean Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 79 percent of rural people nation-wide are using hygienic water; however, only 39 percent of them are given water that meets the Ministry of Health’s standards.

VNA-VOV