Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has shared Vietnam’s initial success in containing COVID-19 at the 73rd WHO Assembly session, saying Vietnam has implemented many effective measures to bring the epidemic under control with a low rate of infection and no deaths.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc shares Vietnam's initial success in containing COVID-19
at the 73rd session of the WHO Assembly 

Addressing the online meeting on May 18-19, PM Phuc noted that Vietnam was aware of the dangers of the epidemic when it started to break out in the country. The government mobilized the involvement of authorities at all levels, the national healthcare system, scientists and soldiers in the battle under the motto of ‘combating the epidemic like fighting the enemy’.  

Vietnam has implemented numerous drastic measures, including preventing external sources of infection, zoning off affected areas, tracing and quarantining suspected cases, conducting mass testing and effectively treating coronavirus patients.

The government accepted sacrificing its economic interests in the short term to protect the health and safety of the people, he said, adding that the Government’s policies and containment measures have received great support from the public.

To date Vietnam, a country of nearly 100 million people and integrating deeper into the region and the world, has recorded more than 320 infection cases with no deaths. May 19 was the 33rd day Vietnam has seen no new locally transmitted cases.

With the epidemic brought under control, the PM stressed Vietnam has entered the ‘new normal’ stage, focusing on economic recovery and epidemic control at the same time.

“More than ever, countries need to strengthen international solidarity and mobilize resources to effectively respond to the pandemic,” said the Vietnamese Prime Minister.

“Alongside efforts to deal with the far-reaching consequences of the epidemic, countries need to devise a post-COVID-19 development plan, with a primary focus on supporting businesses in restoring production and maintaining social security for the people, especially those of vulnerable groups, to ensure no one is left behind.”

As ASEAN Chair 2020, he said Vietnam has hosted and attended many discussions to seek a common voice and put forward initiatives for joint actions against the pandemic.

The PM expressed his strong belief that the international community will continue promoting the will and strength of each nation as well as the solidarity and cooperation to overcome this global crisis and build a better future for each country and people.