PM meets UNICEF's Executive Director

Pham made the suggestion during his meeting with UNICEF's Executive Director Catherine Russell in New York, the U.S., on May 16 as part of his on-going working visit to the U.S. and the UN.

Viet Nam attaches importance to the cooperative relationship with the UNICEF, the PM stressed, expressing gratitude to the UNICEF for its practical assistance for Viet Nam over the last 40 years. 

The vaccination coverage rate for adults and adolescences aged 12-17 in Viet Nam is near 100 percent, which is attributed to the support of the UNICEF and international partners, said Pham. 

He highly valued cooperative contents in the Viet Nam–UNICEF country program of cooperation for the 2022-2026 period and welcomed priorities to ensure access to education for children, gender equality, children's physical and mental health, prevent child abuse, as well as strengthen the capacity of Government agencies in developing policies and laws relevant to interests of children.

For her side, Russell spoke highly of Viet Nam's guideline and policies on child care and protection of children's rights, particularly the nation's concerns and resources for handling  urgent children-related issues such as education and social welfare, especially ones at remote and mountainous areas. 

The UNICEF will continue the active implementation of the Viet Nam–UNICEF country program of cooperation for the 2022-2026 period as well as join hand with the COVAX Facility in supporting the nation in the COVID-19 fight, including donating vaccines and assisting domestic production of vaccine, she emphasized.