Viet Nam sends message to UN high-level debate: “Galvanizing momentum for universal vaccination"

          Mr. President,

          Vaccines play a pivotal role in fighting against the pandemic. Placing our people's health above all else, Viet Nam has conducted an unprecedented vaccination campaign. Over 190 million doses have been administered, covering 97% of the population aged over 18 and nearly 90% of children over 12. We are also planning for the vaccination of children from 5 to 12 years of age.

          Thanks to these efforts, Viet Nam has been able to dampen the impacts of the pandemic and moved towards safe, flexible and effective socio-economic re-opening and a process of recovery based on green and digital transformation.

          These accomplishments would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance that Viet Nam has received from our friends and partners around the world, both bilaterally and through the COVAX Facility. We are deeply grateful for the vaccines and medical supplies that have been shared and the advice given.

On our part, despite our own hardships, Viet Nam has contributed a total of one million US dollars to COVAX. Viet Nam promoted the observance of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on 27 December 2021 under the theme "More vaccine sharing. More lives saved. Better recovery". We stand ready to share our experience with other countries on vaccination.

          Going forward, to achieve the goal of global universal vaccination, I wish to underscore the following:

          First, we must continue to advance a global approach through global solutions, promote international solidarity and cooperation, and uphold multilateralism in the fight against the pandemic, so as to leave no country and no one behind.

          Second, we need to bolster the supply of vaccines, including through the COVAX Facility, and support developing countries through enhancing their vaccination capacity, including capacity building for the community and preventive healthcare.

          Third, developing countries must be assisted to build their vaccine and treatment production capacity, particularly through enhanced collaboration in production and technology transfer.

          Viet Nam applauds the recent announcement by the WHO that a number of developing countries, including Viet Nam, are eligible for technology transfer for the production of mRNA vaccines.

          Viet Nam will make good use of this highly meaningful cooperation project to contribute to the common effort of the international community for advancing global vaccination.

          Thank you!