Vietnam-UNFPA partnership translates into tangible gains for women, girls, and young people
WVR - The visit to Vietnam by Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific ad interim of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) underscored partnership to end gender-based violence, prepare for demographic change, and promote inclusive development.
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| Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza with representatives and officials from the Ministry of Health and UNFPA. (Source: UNFPA) |
From January 25-27, Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific ad interim of the UNFPA, conducted a working visit to Vietnam. The visit reaffirmed UNFPA’s strong partnership with the Government of Vietnam and underscored shared commitments to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and leaving no one behind, particularly women, young people and ethnic minority communities.
Over three days in Ha Noi and Phu Tho Province, Dr. Bodiroza engaged with senior government counterparts, development partners and local communities as well as UN leadership and UNFPA in Vietnam staff to review progress, deepen collaboration and align efforts with government priorities, national strategies and global commitments, including the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A key highlight of the visit was a field mission to the One-Stop Service Centre (OSSC) in Phú Thọ province, also known as “Anh Duong House” where UNFPA works with provincial authorities to provide integrated, survivor-centred services for women and girls affected by domestic violence and gender-based violence. Dr. Bodiroza met with provincial leaders, service providers and women from local ethnic minority communities. He acknowledged the centre’s role in expanding access to protection, health and social services in hard-to-reach settings and congratulated OSSC staff for their diligent hard work.
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| Acting Director for Asia-Pacific at UNFPA and Director General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Pham Hai Anh. (Source: UNFPA) |
In Ha Noi, Dr. Bodiroza held high-level meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health to discuss continued cooperation on population issues including Vietnam’s rapidly ageing population, championing maternal health and youth empowerment, gender-based violence prevention and response, responding to climate-induced disasters and sustainable financing for social sectors. He also met with Ms. Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, to exchange views on UN system coherence and collective impact.
Speaking after the visit, Dr. Bodiroza commended Vietnam’s progress while emphasizing the importance of sustained, rights-based investments: “Vietnam has made important strides in improving health outcomes and advancing gender equality. UNFPA remains committed to working alongside the Government and partners to ensure that every woman and young person, regardless of where they live, can exercise their rights, make informed choices, and access quality services.”
Dr. Bodiroza also addressed all UNFPA staff in Vietnam, recognising their dedication and encouraging continued innovation and partnership to deliver high-impact results at national and sub-national levels.
UNFPA’s Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, provides strategic leadership and technical support to 36 countries across the region, advancing efforts to end unmet need for family planning, prevent maternal deaths, eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices, and respond to humanitarian emergencies.
The visit reinforced the Regional Office’s role in supporting Vietnam to translate evidence, policy, and partnerships into tangible gains for women, girls, and young people.
| Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza brings 27 years of experience in strategic foresight, leadership, and management at the country, regional, and global levels in sexual and reproductive health, rights, and humanitarian programming. Dr. Bodiroza currently leads UNFPA’s work as Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific ad interim, overseeing programmes across 36 countries in the region and providing strategic direction to ensure coherent, high-impact delivery of country and regional initiatives. |
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| Dr. Aleksandar with representatives and officials from the Ministry of Finance and UNFPA Vietnam. (Source: UNFPA) |
