With an index score of 77, Vietnam is ranked second globally and first among Southeast Asian countries in terms of its people’s satisfaction with the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a newly released study of over 23 countries and territories by Singapore-based social research agency Blackbox Research and Toluna Company.

Doctors give treatment to a COVID-19 patient at National Hospital
of Tropical Diseases No. 2 in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 

Up to 94 % of Vietnamese people felt that keeping the public informed on the pandemic with accurate information had worked in their favour in managing the disease, contributing to the country’s excellent performance in the fight against COVID-19, according to the study. 

David Black, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blackbox Research, said Vietnam’s impressive score reflects the country’s swift and strict measures to clamp down on the spread of the virus, as well as its regular and transparent communication with the public on ongoing case investigations.

“Vietnam’s effectiveness in curbing the spread of the virus so far has led to a heightened level of trust and confidence of citizens in their leaders, especially when we compare the country with some of its Southeast Asian neighbours who have at times struggled with testing, contact tracing and dealing with new clusters of cases,” said Black. 

Scoring 85, China tops the index with the most citizens rating its performance favourably.

New Zealand is the only Western country with an index score exceeding the global average – implying that citizens in Western countries are generally less satisfied with their countries’ performances. 

Meanwhile, Japan ranks last with an index score of 16, due to its perceived poor political performance and business leadership, as well as lacklustre community performance, Blackbox said.