WHO Representative in Vietnam. Photo: Nhat Bac

Angela Pratt, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam, said the country successfully controlled the number of deaths and fresh infections thanks to the timely deployment of effective social and public health measures.

Covid-19 vaccine deployment campaign facilitates Vietnam's reopening

Speaking at the conference summarizing the prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic taking place on October 29, Angela Pratt said that after Vietnam had access to the Covid-19 vaccine, it deployed a vaccine coverage campaign, including efforts to bring vaccines to every place and 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 Vietnam's reopening.

The WHO Representative in Vietnam also pointed out six lessons and factors that Vietnam effectively implemented to succeed in preventing and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, Covid-19 has been classified from group A infectious disease to group B.

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

Second, effective measures combining border closure, quarantine, and blockade.

Third, a team of dedicated and highly qualified medical staff with a patriotic spirit.

Fourth, efforts to obtain a vaccine, and deploy a speedy vaccine campaign.

Fifth, the entire society's enthusiastic participation in the response.

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

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

Angela Pratt said that on May 10, 2023, WHO declared an end to the public health emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnam also transferred Covid-19 from group A infectious disease to group B. However, we still cannot be completely assured. Covid-19 continues to spread, new mutations appear, and there are still cases of infection.

WHO always accompanies Vietnam in all fields

The Representative of WHO in Vietnam mentioned six areas WHO recommends that Vietnam need to focus on in the coming time.

First, Covid-19 shows the fragility and inequality in the global drug and vaccine supply chain.

Therefore, Vietnam needs to ensure timely supply of drugs, vaccines and diagnostic equipment, including domestic production, including the transfer of MRA vaccine technology.

The Covid-19 vaccine deployment campaign set the stage for Vietnam's reopening. Photo: WVR

Second, any country's ability to detect the pandemic at the outset will determine its ability to respond to the pandemic globally.

Vietnam needs to ensure an effective and sustainable surveillance system for COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens so that further variants can be traced.

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

Fourth, maintain information exchange and close connection with the community. This is extremely important to prevent misinformation. It is necessary to equip all people with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and their families.

Fifth, build an effective and transparent health system. This is essential for responding to emergency medical situations.

Sixth, all of this requires strong leadership from the Government - an important factor to ensure that lessons from the Covid-19 response are applied, and response capacity is enhanced in the future.

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