Background Every year, nearly 2,000 children under 16 die from drowning. Sadly, drowning disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized children who have limited access to resources to prevent drowning risks in their environments. The Viet Nam Government recognized the cross-cutting nature of the problem and has invested in interventions. Over the last 5 years, the government has passed important policies which are closely connected with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Policy The National Program on Child Injury Prevention has concrete goals, targets and solutions for child drowning. It also serves as the legal base for further ministerial policies and created momentum to foster an inter-ministerial partnership among 9 ministries and socio-political organizations.

Policy Analysis (1) Child Safety: The National Program on Child Injury Prevention aims to reduce child drowning by 10% in 2025 and 20% in 2030. The ongoing development of the National School Based Survival Swim program is being led by the National Council on Education and Human Resources Development and Ministry of Education and Training with an aim to train 50% of children aged 6–15 on survival swim and at least 60% on water safety education by 2025. (2) Resilience to disasters: Safety education for program managers and care givers to prevent child drowning in the event of floods and natural disasters, as well as other child drowning indicators, are integrated into the Natural Disaster Response and Resilience Plan led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (3) Working environments: The Ministry of Health’s Five-Year plan aims to equip 100% of schools, enterprises, and means of public transportation with first aid resources. Additionally, 70% of traffic police, school health staff, operators for public transportation, and maritime workers will be trained in first aid.

Policy Implications Comprehensive solutions requires multi-sector partnerships within the Government. The active engagement of the new first ever ministry is critical (such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for resilience to disasters) in accelerating the SDGs progress.

Conclusions Child drowning shall be largely highlighted in the highest political agenda nationally and internationally for further funding and joint actions.