Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucon April 8 sent a message to a teleconference of heath ministers of the WHOwestern Pacific region themed “Stand in solidarity to combat COVID-19”.

The following is a translation of the message:

Ladies and gentlemen,

The COVID-19 pandemic, the worst global crisis since World War II, is spreading swiftly with heavy tolls on humankind. The WHOshould be commended for its role and responsibility in this global endeavour,and I wish to endorse this meaningful virtual conference under the theme “Standin solidarity to combat COVID-19".

Vietnam realised in no time the danger posed by COVID-19when it first hit international media headlines. With strong politicalleadership, we understood an array of preemptive measures to “fight epidemicsas if fighting the enemy”. The Government’s actions have been rolled out in aresolute and coordinated manner, with prompt adjustments if required. ReturningVietnamese, foreign visitors, and those who came to close contact with positivecases are all subject to mandatory quarantine at designated facilities. A heavyfocus was placed on isolating and wiping out the virus hot spots.

Vietnam adopted a dual approach of containing andcontrolling the outbreak while sustaining socio-economic stability, fending offdisruption.We have been resolute in safeguarding the lives and well-being ofour people, even at the expense of the economy. Immediate actions have beentaken to help people facing hardship, particularly the vulnerable, poor andworkers, 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 percentof the cases have recovered with zero fatality.

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

As called for in UNGA Resolution 74/270 dated April 2 onCOVID-19, Vietnam has, within our capacity, shared information and experience, andprovided medical supplies and equipment to other countries despite our ownconstrains. I take this opportunity to thank the international community andthe peoples around the world for their support and assistance to Vietnam and forjoining this fight against the pandemic.

I have all confidence that our concerted efforts willlead us to triumph. We will be able to ensure the health and safety of ourpeoples, and together forge ahead toward prosperity and realising the 2030 UNSustainable Development Agenda./.