The equipment and supplies, funded by USAID and delivered through UNICEF between November 2021 and February 2022, include 2.5 million syringes, 125,000 N95 face masks and 250 portable patient monitors. 

The donation has come at a timely moment as Viet Nam responds to the current Omicron-fueled wave.

Addressing the ceremony, UNICEF Representative to Viet Nam Rana Flowers affirmed that, UNICEF continues to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam and key partners to not just focus on the roll out of safe vaccines but to support the medical equipment and medicines that are critical to saving lives from COVID-19.

"UNICEF acknowledges the foresight, commitment, and compassion of all countries and donors who have supported Viet Nam-we will get through this by working together", she added.

Throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic, USAID and UNICEF have worked in partnership with the Ministry of Health to bolster Viet Nam's risk communication and community engagement, and to improve infection prevention, control and response efforts.

UNICEF, as the primary COVAX partner in-country, has worked to bring in U.S. Government-supported COVID vaccines-totaling more than 33 million to-date.