Rural residents, including those with leprosy, face challenges in accessing clean water due to declining groundwater quality. Daily water supply and hygiene are uncertain, posing concerns about pollution and salinity. Thanks to a donation fund, a positive change occurred in July 2023 at Ben San Leprosy Camp in Binh Duong—a direct drinking water filtration system was installed, greatly benefiting poor patients.

Dr. Mạc Văn Hòa (a child of a patient) from Khanh Hoa General Hospital has received continuous educational support since his student days until graduating in 2000. He was then sponsored for Master’s studies in Neurology and completing a thesis in Internal Medicine. He is now also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Medicine in Buon Ma Thuot and Tay Nguyen University. He actively teaches sixth-year medical students and supervises practical training at Khanh Hoa Hospital before they become doctors.

Nguyễn Ngô Phương Thảo is an 11th-grade student living in Xom Nho, a leprosy village in Nui San, Nha Trang. Despite facing economic challenges, Thảo found support in donated funds and encouragement from our representative on-site. This assistance was crucial in helping her overcome moments of despair, allowing her to continue her studies.

Lương Huyền Trâm is in her sixth year at the University of Medicine Duy Tan in Da Nang. Coming from a family with leprosy patients in Qui Hoa, Quy Nhon, she received financial aid since primary school. Despite initial worries about high tuition, Trâm, inspired by her late mother’s wish, bravely enrolled in the Medical University in Da Nang with support from Friends of the Lepers. She is now nearing the completion of her studies, fulfilling her mother’s dream, who passed away on January 21, 2023, with less than two years left in her program.