Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has told the virtual conference of Health Ministers of the WHO Western Pacific Region that the world will triumph over novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with “concerted efforts.”   

In a message sent to the ‘Stand in Solidarity to Combat COVID-19’ conference on Wednesday, PM Phuc underlined Vietnam’s motto of “fight epidemics as if fighting the enemy.”

Vietnam is willing to sacrifice economic interests to safeguard “the lives and well-being” of its citizens, the head of government insisted.

“Immediate actions have been taken to help people facing hardship, particularly the vulnerable, poor and workers, making sure that no one is left behind,” he said.

The Southeast Asian country has kept “the situation under good control,” PM Phuc added.

He extended thanks to the international community and people around the world for “the support and assistance to Vietnam and for joining this fight against the pandemic.”

“I have all confidence that our concerted efforts will lead us to triumph,” he said.

Vietnam has reported 251 COVID-19 patients to date, with 126 having recovered, according to Ministry of Health figures.

No death in association with the disease has been reported in the country so far.

The country has carried out over 110,000 tests, while isolating more than 77,000 people who returned from foreign regions hammered by the epidemic or had close contact with confirmed patients.

Below is the full text of his message:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The COVID-19 pandemic, the worst global crisis since WWII, is spreading swiftly with heavy tolls on humankind. The WHO should be commended for its role and responsibility in this global endeavor, and I wish to endorse this meaningful virtual conference under the theme “Stand in Solidarity to Combat COVID-19.”

1. Vietnam realized in no time the danger posed by COVID-19 when it first hit international media headlines. With strong political leadership, we undertook an array of preemptive measures to “fight epidemics as if fighting the enemy.” The government’s actions have been rolled out in a resolute and coordinated manner, with prompt adjustments if required. Returning Vietnamese, foreign visitors and those who came to close contact with positive cases are all subject to mandatory quarantine at designated facilities. A heavy focus was placed on isolating and wiping out the virus hotspots.

Vietnam adopted a dual approach of containing and controlling the outbreak while sustaining socio-economic stability, fending off disruption. We have been resolute in safeguarding the lives and well-being of our people, even at the expense of the economy. Immediate actions have been taken to help people facing hardship, particularly the vulnerable, poor and workers, making sure that no one is left behind. All instructions of the Party, government and authorities have well resonated among our people. To date, Vietnam has managed to keep the situation under good control. Almost 50% of the cases have recovered with zero fatality.

2. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic knows no borders, this fight requires cooperation from and among all countries. A global pandemic requires global solidarity and an all-out global response. As the UN’s specialized health agency, the WHO should continue taking the lead in mobilizing and coordinating efforts, particularly in developing vaccine and treatment drugs, and providing medical supplies and equipment. Vietnam in its capacity as the ASEAN Chair 2020 has issued the ASEAN Chair’s Statement on concerted actions against COVID-19, and is working closely with fellow member states to step up joint responses.

As called for in UNGA Resolution 74/270 dated April 2 on COVID-19, Vietnam has, within our capacity, shared information and experience, and provided medical supplies and equipment to other countries despite our own constraints. I take this opportunity to thank the international community and the people around the world for the support and assistance to Vietnam and for joining this fight against the pandemic.

I have all confidence that our concerted efforts will lead us to triumph. We will be able to ensure the health and safety of our peoples, and together forge ahead toward prosperity and realizing the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda.

Thank you for your kind attention.

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