Over 117,000 first COVID-19 vaccine doses arrived in Vietnam on February 24. (Photo: VGP)
Those shipments of gratitude have helped the Vietnamese people overcome pandemic waves, contributing to Vietnam's success in the fight against COVID-19.
In the complex developments of the pandemic with new dangerous viarants, the Vietnamese Government has considered vaccine access and widespread vaccination a crucial and urgent solution. On that basis, Vietnam has stepped up “vaccine diplomacy,” under the direction of Party, State, Government and National Assembly leaders, and ministries, and agencies.
“Vaccine diplomacy” over the past months has achieved important results that are very encouraging. Although the world is facing a global shortage of COVID-19 vaccine, Vietnam still receives enthusiastic support from partners, neighbours and international friends with a total committed concluded 150 million doses of vaccine through negotiation of purchase and aid.
Vietnam has so far got more than 8 million doses from foreign countries and partners, including 4.5 million doses through the COVAX Facility, 2 million doses from the US, 3 million doses from Japan, 0.5 million doses from China and 1,000 doses from Russia.
The partners have also pledged to further aid to Vietnam in the time ahead. Notably, COVAX Facility committed more than 1 million doses, the US committed an additional 3 million doses through the COVAX Facility, Romania committed more than 100,000 doses, and Australia committed 1.5 million doses.
In addition, other countries like India, the UK, Australia, Cuba and Germany have also made specific commitments to donations and cooperation in the transfer of vaccine production technology. In terms of equipment, medical supplies and resources for disease prevention, Vietnam also received meaningful support from UNICEF, Laos, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Germany, Cambodia, and Saudi Arabia.
The largest vaccination campaign ever is being carried out across the country. As of July 20, more than 4.3 million people were vaccinated, including about 4 million people getting the first shot and more than 300,000 getting the second shot.
The Vietnamese Party, State, Government and people always treasure the practical and timely support of international friends during the COVID-19 fight. In phone talks and letters to partners’ leaders, the Vietnamese leaders have thanked the valuable support during their meetings and online talks, and in letters to foreign leaders, saying it demonstrates the fine relations between Vietnam and partners and international friends.
At the same time, Vietnam has joined hands with the international community in the combat through cooperation activities and the exchange of experience and sources, rescue of foreign patients, and contribution of USD500,000 to COVAX./.