 PM Pham Minh Chinh addresses the COVID-19 vaccine appreciation ceremony in Hanoi on March 24, 2022. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA) |
The PM, who also heads of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, was speaking at a COVID-19 vaccine appreciation ceremony attended by representatives from United Nations organisations, the World Health Organisation (WHO), foreign embassies and vaccine producers in Vietnam.
Nearly 40% of vaccines Vietnam has received came through the COVAX Facility, the Government leader said, noting that more than 30 countries have provided vaccines for Vietnam via the mechanism and bilateral channels.
Vietnam is now among the countries with the highest vaccination coverage in the world, and the rate of hospitalisation as well as the numbers of severe cases and fatalities are decreasing, he said.
The country has shifted to safely and flexibly adapting to, and effectively controlling COVID-19 since October 2021, he said, emphasising achievements in socio-economic recovery and development with GDP jumping 5.22% in the last quarter of 2021 and 2.58% last year.
Notably, international commercial flights have resumed since February 15, and Vietnam will fully open its doors to international tourists from mid-March, he said.
PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is always a good friend, a trust-worthy partner and a responsible member of the international community, and the country backs international cooperation in the pandemic combat.
The PM stressed that Vietnam being selected as a country to receive mRNA vaccine technology transfer would help the Southeast Asian nation churn out mRNA vaccines of international standards to serve domestic demand and supply to other countries.
Mr. Chinh announced that Vietnam will continue contributing to the COVAX Facility.
Rana Flower, Acting UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, lauded efforts by Vietnam in the pandemic combat, saying the country is a model in this regard.
UNICEF and UN organisations will continue to support Vietnam in this field, particularly vaccine supply and production, she said.
In his recorded remarks, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that Vietnam is among the countries that have successfully contained the pandemic.
Vietnam is a model and demonstration of national efforts and international support in vaccination, which should be replicated, he said.