Australia delivered 403,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Vietnam yesterday, as part of the ongoing commitment to our close friend and strategic partner. 

This is the first instalment of Australia’s commitment of 1.5 million AstraZeneca doses to be shared with Vietnam this year, in support of Vietnam’s COVID-19 response. 

Today’s delivery brings Australia’s total number of doses shared with the Indo-Pacific region to over 2 million, towards a commitment of at least 20 million by mid-2022. 

Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Robyn Mudie welcomed the first delivery of doses from Australia. 

“Together, we are united in the fight against COVID-19. Australia’s support for Vietnam’s national vaccine roll-out will help to save lives and promote economic recovery. As friends and partners we will emerge from this crisis stronger and more determined to face future challenges”, Ambassador Mudie said.

These vaccines have arrived at a critical point in Vietnam’s efforts to control the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant. Julianne Cowley, Australia’s Consul-General, said: “Everyone knows what a difficult time this is for Ho Chi Minh City, and for the country as a whole. It is very timely for Australia to be contributing to Vietnam’s vaccine rollout.”

Yesterday’s delivery is in addition to Australia’s existing $40 million package of vaccine-related support to Vietnam. Australia will provide additional doses through its partnership with UNICEF plus funding for syringes, cold chain equipment, including 1900 fridges and 5 refrigerated trucks, training for healthcare workers, and support for the vaccine rollout in remote provinces.

Australia’s support for Vietnam also complements our $100 million commitment to support Southeast Asia through the Quad Vaccine Partnership with the United States, Japan and India, and our contribution of $130 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). Australia will continue to work closely with Vietnam and other regional partners to respond to the pandemic. Access to effective COVID-19 vaccines will support the region’s recovery, and its future stability and prosperity.