Caritas Vietnam reopened in 2008 after it was closed by the Government 32 years earlier. It has since applied for membership of Caritas Internationalis. 

Extreme climatic  events such as drought and typhoons which lead to floods  have caused devastation and loss of lives in recent years. Other challenges to development include widespread poverty, damaged infrastructure through conflict, land scarcity and unemployment.

Caritas Vietnam focuses its work on emergency relief, development, social and charitable activities with the aim of promoting integral human development.

 Activities include:

• Providing emergency assistance to people hit by natural disasters and epidemic diseases.
• Support and care for people with HIV and AIDS.
• Working to improve overall education standards by seeking to eradicate illiteracy, providing training and sponsoring the education of poor minorities and people with learning disabilities.
• Implementing health programmes for the poor. This includes awareness raising and offering medical examinations.
• Carrying out community development programmes such as water purification projects and assisting in micro credit initiatives.

Caritas Vietnam relies on voluntary contributions for its work. To boost its funds, it launches a fundraising campaign every Lent.