This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
As of the end of June 2020, the world was grappling with the devastating impact of Covid-19, with over 10.5 million infections and 511,000 deaths reported globally. However, Vietnam's remarkable success in containing the virus, with not a single confirmed death, offers a beacon of hope for countries with limited resources.
Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam shares a 1,400-kilometre border with China, the origin of the virus. Despite its busy cross-border travel and trade, large population of 97 million, and lower-middle-income economy, Vietnam has managed to keep its numbers in check, with only 355 confirmed cases (142 imported) and 335 recoveries so far.
Upon detecting the first case in late January, the Vietnamese government swiftly recognised Covid-19 as a major threat and took precautions beyond the World Health Organization's guidelines. A national steering committee for Covid-19 control was established, developing a multi-sectoral response plan.
Unlike many countries, Vietnam prioritised economic stability, knowing its national healthcare system couldn't cope with a massive influx of hospital admissions. Drawing from its 2003 Sars experience, the government took drastic measures, including halting passenger flights from high-risk areas, quarantining international travellers, and conducting widespread testing.
With at least 110 laboratories across the country capable of performing real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, Vietnam has a testing capacity of 27,000 samples per day. The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology can culture and cultivate the Sars-Cov-2 virus, enabling domestic institutions to produce testing kits.
Localised centres for disease control and preventative healthcare facilities collaborate with hospitals in case detection, isolation, and treatment. Confirmed cases are isolated and treated in health facilities, while home-based isolation is not allowed to prevent transmission to family members.
As in Kenya, the Ministry of Health informs the public of positive cases and potential exposure, providing guidelines for disease prevention and promoting public compliance with precautionary measures.
Vietnam's success is a testament to its persistent efforts in pandemic preparedness, a strategy that should be replicated globally.
