Communication between health workers and ethnic minorities in Vietnam

by Shannon McKinn, Duong Thuy Linh, Kirsty Foster, Kirsten McCaffery

Vietnam has made notable progress in reducing maternal mortality rates during the past 2 decades, but this overall improvement conceals regional and ethnic inequalities. Ethnic minorities in Vietnam experience high rates of poverty and mortality, and they face communication and cultural barriers when accessing health services. Poor communication with health professionals combined with limited health literacy is concerning, particularly in the maternal health context, and may exacerbate existing inequalities.

22nd May 2020 • comment