United States and UNICEF provide Medical Supplies to Strengthen Infectious Diseases Management in Viet Nam

This support also aims to enhance cold chain systems for routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. As part of this effort, USAID and UNICEF have provided 680 patient vital signs monitors, 810 electronic syringe pumps, and 150 refrigerators to departments of Health across nine provinces.

The vital sign monitors and syringe pumps are being distributed to hospitals with the goal of increasing their ability to effectively monitor and treat patients suffering from infectious diseases. The vaccine refrigerators, which maintain the required temperature range of +2˚C to +8˚C for safe vaccine storage, will be distributed to commune health centers to ensure the availability of vaccines from the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) for community members. This equipment will empower healthcare professionals to provide timely and precise care, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The symbolic handover ceremony took place in Dong Thap province today, with the attendance of Dr. Hany Helmy, Deputy Office Director, USAID/ Vietnam Office of Health; Anjanette Saguisag, Acting Deputy Representative of UNICEF Viet Nam; Dr. Duong Duc Thien, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Health; and Dr. Doan Tan Buu, Director of Dong Thap Department of Health.

"The U.S. Government is proud to continue our strong collaboration with the Government and people of Vietnam in jointly addressing the national and global challenge of infectious diseases. The critical commodities provided by USAID through UNICEF will help Vietnam to strengthen the country's capacity to effectively monitor and treat patients suffering from infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and to further improve cold chain systems for routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns." emphasized Dr. Hany Helmy, Deputy Office Director, USAID/Vietnam Office of Health, during the handover ceremony.

"Access to reliable medical equipment is essential for effective healthcare delivery. This contribution will significantly improve the capacity of hospitals at both national and sub-national levels to manage and treat infectious diseases, ensuring better health outcomes for children, women and communities across Viet Nam", said Anjanette Saguisag, UNICEF Viet Nam Acting Deputy Representative. “With USAID’s support, UNICEF is pleased to work with the Ministry of Health and help strengthen its immunization systems, ensuring that families in remote areas have strengthened access to safe vaccines.”

On the occasion of this handover, Dr. Duong Duc Thien, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Health has extended their appreciation to USAID and UNICEF “for the timely support from the Government and people of the United States, and from UNICEF in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID and UNICEF are among the countries and organizations that have provided the most support to Vietnam, including COVID-19 vaccines/vaccination supplies, cold chain equipment for vaccination, treatment equipment, ventilators, vital sign monitors, liquid oxygen systems, etc., for hospitals, helping Vietnam to control and reduce COVID-19 mortality rates”.

The departments of Health receiving the equipment are serving communities in Thai Binh, Son La, Nghe An, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Gia Lai and Thai Nguyen provinces. These locations have been identified as requiring additional support to cope with healthcare burdens associated with infectious diseases.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by USAID and UNICEF to enhance global health security and strengthen healthcare systems in countries facing public health challenges. The provided medical equipment and cold chain supplies will provide long-term services, improving the resilience and preparedness of Viet Nam's healthcare system.