The oxygen system at Bach Mai hospital. (Source: US Embassy in Hanoi)

The Bach Mai oxygen system is the largest of 13 such systems being provided by USAID to health care facilities across Vietnam to support the care of patients with severe cases of COVID-19. Beyond COVID-19, strengthening access to oxygen can improve outcomes for newborns in respiratory distress; children with pneumonia, sepsis, and/or congenital heart disease; adults with tuberculosis; and beyond.

“The U.S. Government is proud to be a leading partner of the Government of Vietnam in its COVID-19 response and advancing health security,” said Deputy Secretary Sherman. “This new liquid oxygen system will significantly improve critical care capacity in Hanoi at one of Vietnam’s largest hospitals. We are proud to provide Vietnam with 13 liquid oxygen systems-to strengthen the nation’s health care system and save lives.”

At the meeting to announce the start of the installation of a new liquid oxygen system provided by the USAID. (Source: US Embassy in Hanoi)

The new liquid oxygen system consists of an on-site storage tank, with two vaporizers to convert liquid oxygen in the tank to gaseous oxygen, and a pressure regulator, which will be connected to the hospital’s piping to transport the oxygen to patients’ bedsides. It will provide a safe and reliable source of medical oxygen for up to 1,000 patients per day at the hospital. USAID is also providing related staff training, equipment, and supplies to administer the oxygen, such as high-flow nasal tubing and patient monitors, which allow hospital staff to efficiently track patients’ vital signs and quickly respond to changes in patient conditions. The installation of the new system at Bach Mai is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States and Vietnam have joined hands to tackle one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. U.S. contributions, including technical support, life-saving medical equipment, and nearly 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, have enhanced Vietnam’s own remarkable response to this global challenge.