A woman in the northern city of Haiphong is calling for community help to save her six-year old daughter, who is facing death from congenital heart failure.

Loan and her ailing daughter

Phung Thi Loan said her daughter, Doan Thuy Luong, was diagnosed with the disease at four months. Two years ago, she was taken to E Hospital in Hanoi, where doctors said she needed surgery, which the family could not afford.

They returned home, but has been in and out of hospital as her condition worsens.

Luong is now suffering pneumonia and digestive problems.

Tran Duc Dai from E Hospital said Luong needs the surgery is she is to live. It costs VND70m (USD3,333).

Loan said she felt powerless. She has been unable to borrow enough money for the treatment and Luong can no longer leave her bed.