Vietnamese Healthcare System's Achievements in Covid-19's Fight

A doctor takes care of a Covid-19 patient at a field hospital treating Covid-19 patients in Tan Binh district, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: VNA

The health sector is the frontline force in the fierce battle between humans and the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. In that battle, Vietnam's "white shirt soldiers" made miracles in protecting and taking care of people's health, earning praise from the international medical community.

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientists believe that the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be completely controlled before 2023. New virus strains may appear, making the pandemic complicated and unpredictable.

With the role of "frontline," the health sector again shouldered the responsibility of protecting and taking care of the people's health in realizing the new goal.

The health sector has adjusted the implementation of medical services so that people can quickly access important resources. Vietnam has established more than 700 mobile stations in a short time, so as not to disrupt the health system across the country.

In August-September 2021, Vietnam promptly mobilized more than 300,000 medical officers and soldiers, army and police to support the southern pandemic-hit provinces.

It is impossible to measure all the difficulties and sacrifices of the medical team during that time. There are countless frontline doctors and nurses who have devoted all their health and wisdom to save the lives of Covid-19 patients.

Impressive results

Fighting Covid-19, regaining the lives of patients is an unprecedented battle for the people and the health sector particularly. The Party and Government have developed and drastically implemented the vaccine strategy, established the vaccine fund, and strengthened vaccine diplomacy. Vietnam secured many vaccines and launched one of the largest free vaccination campaign for the entire population, as a fundamental and sustainable measure to cope with the pandemic.

Administering the 3rd dose of Covid-19 vaccine to people in Ward 5, Tra Vinh city, Tra Vinh province. Photo: VNA

September 2021 was the time of an unprecedented vaccination campaign in Vietnam. There were days when Hanoi had injected more than 600,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine. There were vaccination points working until 2, 3 a.m. with the goal of spreading the vaccine quickly and safely to everyone.

From a country with a low vaccination rate: At the time of the fourth outbreak, on April 27, 2021, only 320,000 doses of the vaccine were administered. Up to now, Vietnam has become one of the six countries with the highest vaccination coverage rate in the world, with nearly 192.7 million doses administered.

As of February 24, the vaccine coverage rate for people 18 years of age and older with 1 vaccine dose is nearly 100%, 2 doses is 95%; people from 12 to 17 years old with 1 dose of vaccine is 92%, 2 doses is 76%. As a result, the number of hospital admissions, severe cases, and deaths has decreased markedly.

Satoko Otsu, WHO representative in Vietnam said that Vietnam's vaccination achievements are impressive. She said that Vietnam's success in pandemic prevention and control has proved the effectiveness of the whole people approach, the political system, innovative measures in pandemic control and transparent communication work.

Those achievements are appreciated by the international community. Many partners have approached WHO to learn about Vietnam's effective experiences in dealing with the pandemic.

The pandemic situation in the world and in the country is forecasted to be complicated and unpredictable. There may be new outbreaks with new strains that spread faster and more dangerous.

That poses a heavy task to the health sector. The sacrifice and dedication of the sector will continue to make an important contribution to the country's pandemic prevention and control, contributing to the fight against Covid-19.

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