A nationwide campaign in Vietnam has raised millions of dollars to support Cuba as the island struggles with a deep economic crisis.
The initiative, organized by the Vietnam Red Cross Society, quickly gathered more than $13 million in its first week, far beyond what was expected for the two-month effort.
Most contributions were small, often less than a dollar, yet more than 1.7 million people have already taken part.
The donations reflect strong public interest in helping Cuba, where shortages of food, medicine, and fuel have worsened in recent years.
Inflation has surged, tourism has failed to recover after the pandemic, and frequent blackouts have become a part of daily life.
The effort also carries symbolic weight. Cuba provided aid to Vietnam during the wars of the 1960s and 1970s, sending doctors, food, and medical support. Today, Vietnam is returning that support at a time when Cuba faces severe hardship.
Analysts note that while Vietnam has reduced poverty and built a growing economy through market reforms since the 1980s, Cuba has maintained strict state control.
This difference has left the island in decline, with migration rising and even health indicators, once strong, now worsening.
The crowdfunding campaign also marks 65 years of diplomatic ties between Hanoi and Havana. Beyond money, it reflects a long bond between two nations that once shared similar struggles but have taken very different paths.