Vietnam plans for the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine

Today, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, together with PATH and the British Embassy in Hanoi, came together for the National Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on planning for COVID-19 vaccine introduction in Vietnam. The conference brought together officials and representatives from relevant Government departments, national regulatory authorities, national institutes, immunization programs, and national and international stakeholders to discuss the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines around the world and in Vietnam. This meeting played an important role in helping Vietnam to implement a national strategy upon the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. The conference was attended by the Right Honourable Dominic Raab MP, First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Vietnam’s COVID-19 response has received international recognition for implementing effective, low-cost interventions early. As a result, Vietnam has maintained low case numbers and fatalities. In parallel, the country has been preparing policy and regulation to support the receipt, transportation, distribution, storage, and use of a COVID-19 vaccine in the shortest time possible, once it is available. In July, the Ministry of Health, with technical support from PATH and financial support from the UK Government, hosted the Workshop on research and development, manufacturing, clinical development, licensure and use of COVID-19 vaccines to get consensus on the national regulatory pathways for research and development, manufacturing, clinical trials, registration licensing, and use of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of a health emergency.

“Given the unique situation we face with COVID-19, it is especially important that vaccine manufacturers and regulatory agencies understand and agree to appropriate mechanisms, policies, and regulations to work towards expediting a COVID-19 vaccine while maintaining safety and efficacy,” said Dr. Vu Minh Huong, Regional Technical Advisor for PATH’s Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access.

Mr. Raab highlighted in the conference that “Cooperation between UK and Vietnamese scientists will protect the British and Vietnamese people and help prevent a global second wave that threatens us all. The UK is playing a leading role in the global COVID-19 response.” The UK has committed £50m to support ASEAN’s COVID-19 response. This includes £6.3m of new funding to support the strengthening of health system and economic recovery across ASEAN.

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The British Embassy in Hanoi and the British Consulate – General in Ho Chi Minh City maintain and develop relations between the UK and Vietnam. This year, the two countries are celebrating ten years of strategic partnership and will continue to cooperate in a range of areas, including health.

About PATH

PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. Our team of innovators comprises more than 1,500 employees in offices in 20 countries. With expertise in science, health, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide. We work in more than 70 countries to transform bold ideas into sustainable solutions that improve health and well-being for all, reaching over 150 million people, on average, each year.