Vietnam's response to Covid-19 becomes a reference model for many countries

Vietnam has the strongest economic recovery in the region, and its response to Covid-19 has become a reference model for many countries in many aspects.

Trưởng Đại diện WHO: Cách ứng phó với Covid-19 của Việt Nam trở thành hình mẫu tham khảo cho nhiều quốc gia

WHO Representative in Vietnam. (Photo: Nhat Bac)

Ms. Angela Pratt, Chief Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam, emphasized the above information at the conference summarizing the work of preventing and fighting the Covid-19 epidemic held this morning, October 29. The conference was chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Government bridge connecting online with the provincial and city bridges.

COVID-19 vaccine rollout sets the stage for Vietnam's reopening

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Angela Pratt said: After Vietnam had access to the Covid-19 vaccine, it launched an emergency vaccine coverage campaign, including efforts to make vaccines accessible to everyone in the country. WHO is proud to support these efforts, along with other partners such as UNICEF. This vaccine deployment campaign has set the stage for reopening.

At the same time, the World Health Organization Representative in Vietnam also pointed out 6 lessons and factors that Vietnam has effectively implemented to successfully prevent and control the Covid-19 pandemic, which has now been classified from group A infectious disease to group B.

First, the capacity to detect infections early, investigate, trace and respond very quickly.

Second, an effective combination of border closures, quarantines, and lockdowns.

Third, you have the great advantage of a dedicated, highly qualified and patriotic medical staff.

Fourth, efforts to obtain vaccines and roll out a rapid vaccine campaign.

Fifth, the enthusiastic participation of the whole society in the response.

Sixth, the most important is the leadership role of the Government and the National Steering Committee as well as the Steering Committees at the grassroots level.

"On behalf of WHO, I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Vietnam, including the Ministry of Health, as well as your health workers, businesses, communities and partners," said Ms. Angela Pratt.

Ms. Angela Pratt said that on May 10, 2023, WHO declared an end to the public health emergency due to the Covid-19 epidemic, and Vietnam also moved Covid-19 from group A infectious disease to group B. However, we still cannot be completely assured, Covid-19 continues to spread and new strains appear, and there are still outbreaks of infection again.

WHO will always accompany Vietnam in all fields.

The WHO Representative in Vietnam mentioned 6 areas that WHO recommends needing attention in the coming time:

First , Covid-19 has exposed the fragility and inequality in the global supply chain of medicines and vaccines. Therefore, we need to ensure ready, timely and reliable supply of medicines, vaccines and diagnostic equipment, including domestic production, including MRA vaccine technology transfer.

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has set the stage for Vietnam's reopening.

Second , the ability of any country to detect an outbreak early will determine its ability to respond globally. We need to ensure effective and sustainable surveillance systems for Covid-19 and other respiratory pathogens so that we can track further variants.

Third, it is necessary to integrate Covid-19 vaccination into the routine immunization system, focusing on the highest risk groups, in line with recent recommendations from experts.

Fourth , it is necessary to maintain a system of information exchange and close connection with the community. This is extremely important to prevent misinformation as some delegates pointed out today, and it is necessary to equip all people with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and their families.

Fifth , build an efficient and transparent health system. This is essential for responding to health emergencies.

Sixth , all of this requires sustained strong government leadership – a key element to ensure lessons from the Covid-19 response are applied and future response capacity is enhanced.

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