
The Vietnam Red Cross Society, together with partner organisations, launches a nationwide campaign to mobilise aid for the Cuban people on August 13. Photo by VGP
The 65-day programme, running from August 13 to October 16, aims to raise resources for medical supplies, essential goods, and sustainable development projects to help Cuba overcome challenges caused by epidemics, natural disasters, and economic embargo.
According to the Red Cross, the initiative reflects the deep humanitarian bond and solidarity between the peoples of Vietnam and Cuba, as well as gratitude for Cuba’s past support during Vietnam’s difficult years.
Donations can be made directly at the Vietnam Red Cross headquarters, via QR code transfers, public collection boxes, mobile apps, or through the society’s online portal. Schools will also organise activities such as letter-writing campaigns and fundraising drives for Cuban children. All contributions will be transparently managed and delivered to Cuba in 2025.
Just over 24 hours after the launch, more than 31,800 donations from across the country had been received, with contributions reaching over VND 7 billion (approximately USD 280,000) as of 6.30 am on August 14.
Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960, with Cuba being the first country in the Western Hemisphere to do so. For the past 65 years, the two nations have stood side by side, from Vietnam’s struggle for independence and reunification to its current socialist nation-building.
A defining moment in the relationship was the visit by late Cuban leader Fidel Castro to Quang Tri’s liberated zone in September 1973, where he famously declared: “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood.” His words became a powerful source of encouragement for Vietnamese soldiers and civilians at the time.
During that wartime, Cuba sent technical teams to Vietnam to build roads, clear bombs, and assist in constructing major projects such as Thang Loi Hotel, the Xuan Mai–Son Tay Road, Dong Hoi General Hospital, the Vietnam-Cuba Hospital, Luong My poultry breeding farm, Ba Vi cattle breeding farm, among others.