Mapping the reform process in the public delivery of Social protection services in Viet Nam

This paper maps the evolution of Viet Nam’s social protection reform process and assesses how effectively current policies address persistent inequities among vulnerable groups. Despite significant gains in poverty reduction, substantial pockets of poverty and vulnerability remain, particularly among women, children, ethnic minorities, migrants, and people living with HIV/AIDS or disabilities. Using a conceptual framework grounded in human development and institutional analysis, the paper traces how economic and social risks interact across macro, meso, and micro levels to shape human capabilities. It reviews Viet Nam’s expanding but fragmented social protection system—comprising social insurance, social assistance, and social welfare services—and highlights key policy and institutional challenges, including limited coordination, uneven decentralisation, weak monitoring systems, and fiscal constraints. Drawing on existing evidence, the paper evaluates the impacts of major programmes on equity outcomes and identifies gaps in coverage, targeting, and service quality. It concludes by outlining policy implications for developing a more coherent, comprehensive and inclusive social protection strategy capable of addressing both longstanding and emerging vulnerabilities as Viet Nam transitions toward middle-income status.