Viet Nam appreciates int'l partners' support and assistance for COVID-19 fight

Addressing the COVID-19 vaccine appreciation ceremony on Monday, Pham stated: "You have been accompanying us, supporting us during the pandemic. This event is to recognize the international solidarity, which we highly appreciate."

Viet Nam has obtained around 220 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, half of which delivered to the Southeast Asian country through the COVAX facility, according to the Prime Minister.

Thanks to high vaccination coverage rate, Viet Nam switched way from zero-COVID policy to safe and flexible adaptation to the pandemic and gradual recovery of economic activities from October last year.

The country is stepping up administration of booster doses to people aged 18 and above, the second shots to children in the age group of 12-17, preparing for inoculating children aged 5-11, Pham said.

Viet Nam is also mulling over the fourth shot and the use of vaccine for kids under five years of age, the Prime Minister added.

As challenges still remain ahead, Pham called for continued international cooperation and solidarity in the fight against the pandemic, including enhanced support for bilateral and multilateral initiatives to promote fair access to vaccines, medicines and equipment.

He took the occasion to announce that Viet Nam will continue contributions to the COVAX facility and stand ready to share experience in the fight against the pandemic with other countries.

In his video message, Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I congratulate Viet Nam for reaching 90% adult vaccine coverage, one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. This is a remarkable testament to the government leadership and the commitment and solidarity of Viet Nan's people"./.