Vietnam treasures co-operation and support from WHO
VOV.VN - The nation places great importance on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s co-operation and support for the development of the nation’s health sector over recent times, especially during the country’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan made the statement during a reception held for Dr. Takeshi Kasai, the WHO’s regional director for the Western Pacific, in Hanoi on July 15.
The Vice President said that the pandemic had a great impact on the country, especially affecting Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces. Thanks to the drastic and timely decisions taken by the Party and State, the joint effort and consensus of all people, the important support given by international friends, and the WHO, the pandemic was initially contained in Vietnam.
With the overall success of the national vaccination strategy and as one of the countries with the highest vaccine coverage in the world, the nation has shifted to safe, flexible adaptation, and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also focusing on economic recovery and development moving forward.
Along with positive economic achievements recorded since the end of 2021, GDP in the second quarter of the year is estimated to expand by 7.72% over the same period from last year, while social security and people's life are guaranteed.
Amid the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 epidemic coupled with instability in the region and throughout the world, the nation is highly determined to maintain a favourable business investment environment, particularly as an important destination for foreign investment.
As part of this occasion, the Vice President thanked countries and partners, including the WHO, the WHO Western Pacific Office, and the WHO Office in Vietnam, especially Dr. Kasai, for giving priority to supporting the country in accessing vaccines and medical supplies to control the pandemic.
As a responsible country within the international community, the nation provided masks and medical supplies to many countries in the early stages of the pandemic, whilst also making positive contributions to the WHO’s COVID-19 Response Fund and the COVAX scheme.
Furthermore, the nation also launched numerous initiatives at regional and international forums in a bid to reinforce solidarity and international co-operation as a way of overcoming the pandemic together. This can be seen through the initiative to observe December 27 annually as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, a move which was supported by the UN.
Regarding future co-operation, the Vice President suggested that the Western Pacific Regional Office and the WHO Office in Vietnam work alongside Dr. Kasai to promptly assess the pandemic situation and share information. This is as well as sharing experience and WHO recommendations regarding pandemic prevention and control measures. This should be done whilst supporting Vietnam in research and production of COVID-19 vaccines to proactively provide swift supplies and increase access to vaccines for regional nations.
Furthermore, the Vice President asked WHO agencies to pay close attention to and support the country in improving its healthcare capacity, especially in grassroots health care, through the provision of ODA, medical equipment, and experience sharing in training and improving human resource expertise.
She therefore suggested launching information activities and giving recommendations to people on the occasion of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27.
Vice President Xuan also underscored the necessity of creating optimal conditions for Vietnamese officials and experts in which to work at regional offices in order to make effective and positive contributions to the common medical cause.
In response, Dr. Kasai hailed the nation’s pandemic containment efforts over the recent times, especially its decision to adapt to safely, flexibly, and effectively controlling the COVID-19 pandemic for socio-economic recovery and development.
Affirming that the pandemic has not ended due to the appearance of new strains, Dr. Kasai highlighted the important role of the grassroots health care as it is the first place to receive patients when people endure basic health problems. He pledged his organisation’s continued support for the country in improving and developing this medical system moving forward.
He is also committed to joining hands with the nation in taking care of people's health, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the region and the world as a whole.