As part of our efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. HelpAge-supported Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs) in Vietnam are working with the country’s Association for the Elderly to produce bio-based hand sanitizer, distributing bottles to village members for free.
Vietnam’s ISHCs have long facilitated sustainable crafts and livelihood activities (such as peanut farming and beekeeping), including the production of bio-based hand sanitizers. The production process is relatively simple and only made from natural, eco-friendly materials, including orange peel, lemon, grapefruit, lemongrass, starfish, molasses, and water. The solution is then treated and soaked for 3 months. Afterward, the solution goes through an extraction process, has essential oils added, and is finally bottled. The ISHCs in Tan Xuan Quarter, Xuan Mai Town, Chuong My District, and Hanoi City has provided free hand sanitizers to two temples, one of which is home to about 50 older people.
Not only are the ISHCs distributing the hand sanitizer, they are also training other clubs on how to make it. ISHCs in Phuong Lien ward (Dong Da, Hanoi) and Khuong Dinh ward (Thanh Xuan, Hanoi) are now producing hand sanitizer as well.
In addition, the clubs have banded together to make critical health information from Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and local area hospitals available and accessible to their communities. ISHCs are disseminating communications on COVID-19 prevention methods and proper handwashing.
This program was made possible through generous support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
