Complete vaccination for children in the second quarter, develop response scenarios for new dangerous strains

Attending the Conference at the Government headquarters were comrades: General Phan Van Giang - Politburo member, Minister of National Defense; comrade Do Van Chien - Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; comrade Bui Thi Minh Hoai - Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Mass Mobilization Commission; comrade Le Minh Khai - Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister; Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam; Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh; members of the Steering Committee; leaders of ministries, departments, branches and central agencies.

Attending the Conference via local bridges were comrade Nguyen Van Nen - Politburo member, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; comrades Secretaries of the City Party Committee, Provincial Party Committees, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that vaccines are still a strategic weapon, the most important "shield" in epidemic prevention and control. It is necessary to further promote the vaccination campaign, with the highest determination to complete vaccination for children aged 5-11 in the second quarter; develop scenarios and plans for the situation where the epidemic has new developments with new strains that spread faster and are more dangerous. Absolutely do not be subjective, negligent, or lose vigilance. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The number of infections, severe cases and deaths decreases every day

Reports and opinions at the meeting stated that the epidemic is basically under control nationwide. The number of new cases, after a period of high increase when implementing reopening measures, began to decrease sharply by the end of March, while the rate and number of severe cases, hospitalizations and deaths continued to decrease sharply.

Over the past 3 weeks, the number of infections, severe cases and deaths in provinces and cities has tended to decrease day by day. Compared to the previous week, the number of infections in the community decreased by 36.9%, the number of deaths decreased by 26.1%, the number of people being treated in hospitals decreased by 26.7%, the number of severe and critical cases decreased by 31.7%.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long reports at the meeting. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Overall, since the outbreak, Vietnam ranks 12th out of 225 countries and territories in terms of the number of cases, 110th out of 225 countries and territories in terms of the rate of cases per 1 million people, and 130th out of 225 countries and territories in terms of the rate of deaths per 1 million people; Vietnam's death rate compared to the number of cases is currently at 0.4% (the world average is 1.2%).

Compared to the previous month, the number of deaths decreased by 28.6%. The 30-day case-fatality rate decreased sharply from 0.13% last month to 0.03% this month; this is the lowest decrease in deaths since August 2021.

According to delegates, the main reasons are the high vaccination rate in Vietnam; the selection of priority subjects for vaccination in Vietnam is appropriate and effective; Vietnam's medical capacity is gradually improved and better meets requirements; the transition to a safe, flexible adaptation state, effective control of the epidemic is appropriate, timely, and on time, ahead of many countries in the region.

Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Do Van Chien emphasized that the direction and administration of the Government and the Steering Committee were correct, timely, effective and efficient, and that provinces and cities proactively and synchronously implemented tasks and solutions.

Vaccines have been confirmed as a strategic weapon and also a success for Vietnam - one of the countries with the highest number of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the world, with the first injection rate reaching 100%, the second injection rate reaching 99.8%, and the third injection rate reaching 49%. The difference with other countries is that Vietnam has focused on vaccinating vulnerable groups, while many countries have vaccinated but have not paid attention to this group (the elderly, people with underlying diseases, people with disabilities, pregnant women, homeless people, orphans, ethnic minorities, migrant workers in urban areas, etc.).

Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Do Van Chien emphasized that the direction and management of the Government and the Steering Committee are correct, timely, effective and efficient. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The health system has withstood the peak of the pandemic with a maximum capacity of 200,000 treatment beds. The peak number of hospitalizations was around 150,000 on March 15 and there are currently around 65,000 cases being treated.

Vietnam tourism recovery is among the best in the region

However, many opinions at the meeting also stated that vaccination has not fully achieved the set goals.

According to the Ministry of Health, by the end of the first quarter of 2022, an estimated 60% of people aged 18 and over will have enough time to get the third dose (40.4 million people). By the end of March 31, 2022, 33.4 million people had received the third dose, the coverage rate for the third dose for people aged 18 and over was 49% (reaching about 83% of those aged 18 and over who are scheduled for vaccination), the rest have not received the third dose for a number of reasons. Accordingly, the number of people infected with COVID-19 has increased, coinciding with the time when the third dose is required, so there is a delay in vaccination; a group of people who have received 2 doses of vaccine after contracting COVID-19 and recovering tend not to receive the third dose because they think they have natural immunity after contracting the disease.

Delegates said that it is necessary to continue to encourage people to get vaccinated, go to every alley, knock on every door, and check each person to avoid missing them; medical examination and treatment facilities should review and organize basic and supplementary doses for people over 50 years old and people with underlying diseases who come to the facility for examination and treatment; after having enough basic doses, they should carry out additional and booster doses in order of priority; prepare resources to vaccinate children from 5 to under 12 years old against COVID-19 as soon as the vaccine is available. The elderly and those with underlying diseases need to be vaccinated even more; many countries with high vaccination rates but do not pay due attention to these groups still have high mortality rates.

With vaccine aid and purchase sources, vaccination for children from 5 to under 12 years old is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2022. According to the Ministry of Health, to date, more than 53 countries have planned/implemented vaccination for children under 12 years old. Vaccination for children in countries is implemented differently, many countries including countries in the European Union and the United States have implemented vaccination for all children from 5 to under 12 years old.

Opinions also show that tourism activities are taking place strongly. Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department Le Hai Binh said that according to statistics, the number of searches on Google for flights and accommodation in Vietnam is growing at the highest rate in the world. World public opinion highly appreciates the results of epidemic prevention and control, which have made Vietnam a safe destination, and Vietnamese tourism will recover very strongly, among the best in the region.

Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department Le Hai Binh said that according to statistics, the number of Google searches for flights and accommodation in Vietnam is at the highest level in the world. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

According to Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, to date, the "Waves and Computers for Children" program has equipped more than 350,000 computers, reaching 35% of the target, covering an additional 1,500 "wave troughs", reaching more than 70% of the target and is expected to be fully completed in the second quarter of 2022.

Ready to respond to more complex, unpredictable situations

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that thanks to good control of the epidemic, we have promoted socio-economic recovery and development, achieved positive results in all areas, and are confident in reopening schools and tourism in accordance with the situation. Independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, political stability, security, order and social safety have been maintained; foreign affairs have been consolidated and enhanced, actively integrating deeply, practically and effectively.

The reasons for the achievements are the serious and effective implementation of the Conclusion of the 4th Central Conference of the 13th tenure, the resolutions of the National Assembly and the Government; the determination, drasticness, regular and timely leadership and direction of the Steering Committees and authorities at all levels; high vaccine coverage compared to the world, especially for high-risk groups and gradually proactively supplying medicines; the support of people and businesses, especially with vaccination; the accumulation of experiences after more than 2 years of epidemic prevention and control and the modesty, receptiveness to learning and creative application of the world's lessons.

However, the work of epidemic prevention and control still has limitations, weaknesses, and inadequacies that must be resolutely overcome in the coming time. The speed of the third injection for adults is still slow; the supply and implementation of vaccination for children aged 5-11 have not reached the target set at the 13th meeting of the Steering Committee. There is still confusion and passivity in home treatment, some instructions are not timely and lack consistency. Human resources are lacking when the situation is complicated in some localities, the transfer of human resources is still confusing. The payment and financial settlement of epidemic prevention and control work still have many problems that need to be resolved promptly. The situation has changed but the conversion, instructions, and measures have not kept up.

The reason is that in some places, at some times, and in some people, there are still subjective and negligent people in epidemic prevention and control. Some Steering Committees, agencies, units, and localities are still not resolute and have not yet been able to adapt flexibly when the situation changes. There are still shortcomings in logistics and vaccination services, and coordination is not close and effective.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that thanks to good control of the epidemic, we have promoted socio-economic recovery and development, achieved positive results in all fields, and are confident in reopening schools and tourism in accordance with the situation. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Regarding the general tasks in the coming time, the Prime Minister requested to closely monitor the situation and developments of the epidemic in the country and in the world, closely follow the recommendations of international organizations and scientists; promptly detect, warn, and respond to unpredictable developments, such as the virus may adapt to vaccines or new strains may appear, the epidemic may become more complicated and unpredictable. Further promote vaccination, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, people with underlying diseases, children, workers in industrial parks, export processing zones, large cities...; focus on controlling risks, severe cases and deaths; continue to strengthen preventive medicine, grassroots health care; be proactive in medicine; raise people's awareness.

Vaccines are still strategic weapons and the most important shield.

Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister requested consistent, synchronous and effective implementation of the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Program (2022-2023) according to Resolution 38 of the Government with the motto of safe and flexible adaptation, effective control of the epidemic; epidemic prevention and control according to risk management methods; prepared scenarios for all situations, including situations where new strains spread faster and are more dangerous, localities must develop plans, solutions and prepare resources to implement the program.

Emphasizing the task of vaccination, the Prime Minister stated that experience shows that vaccines are still a strategic weapon, the most important "shield" in epidemic prevention and control, and the foundation for safe and effective adaptation. The Prime Minister requested to further accelerate vaccination for designated subjects; complete two injections for children aged 12-17 in April; speed up vaccine supply, and be determined to complete vaccination for children aged 5-11 in the second quarter, ensuring safety for children during the summer vacation and entering the new school year.

Continue to study the fourth injection for the designated subjects, especially high-risk subjects, because the vaccine's immune effectiveness decreases over time. The Ministry of Health must ensure enough vaccines, and localities must organize safe, scientific, and effective vaccination; mobilize and propagate people and implement other measures to achieve the set goals.

Another important task is to be self-sufficient in drugs, biological products, medical supplies, and test kits to prepare for the situation where new, more dangerous and rapidly spreading variants can appear at any time.

Promote research, technology transfer, and domestic vaccine and drug production in the spirit of closely following legal regulations and recommendations from international organizations, cutting administrative procedures while ensuring expertise and science. "Do not be passive or surprised about vaccines, medicines, medical supplies and biological products under any circumstances," the Prime Minister said.

Steering Committees at all levels must not be negligent or subjective, must closely follow the situation, give decisive and focused direction, be more proactive and effective, and especially must direct work specifically, clearly, easily heard, understood, remembered and implemented down to the grassroots level.

The Prime Minister requested to speed up the vaccination of designated subjects and complete the two-dose vaccination for children aged 12-17 in April. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Regarding information and propaganda work, the Prime Minister requested to mobilize multiple media, provide truthful, objective and timely information; prioritize and increase the time for information and instructions, especially on the development of the epidemic situation, treatment, especially self-treatment, home treatment, using combined Eastern and Western medicine measures...; and on vaccination for children.

Continue to review current regulations, rules, procedures, standards and criteria to promptly adjust them to suit new situations and developments, and organize implementation to ensure effectiveness, consistency and focus. Further promote and improve the effectiveness of coordination between agencies, localities and international cooperation.

Research and propose policies to encourage and provide incentives for investment in healthcare.

Regarding the specific work of each ministry and branch, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Health to research and report to the Government in April on scenarios and plans in case the epidemic has new developments, new strains spread faster and are more dangerous. Promote achievements, overcome limitations to build and complete databases and statistics related to epidemic prevention and control to ensure timeliness, accuracy and objectivity.

The Ministry of Health needs to quickly provide guidance on the next vaccination. Issue guidelines for implementing Resolution 12 of the National Assembly Standing Committee allowing the implementation of a number of mechanisms and policies in the health sector to serve the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic. Review, amend, and supplement guidelines and regulations on medical expertise, creating favorable conditions for socio-economic activities, promoting socio-economic recovery and development. Consider and absorb the opinions of businesses and associations, review and reduce regulations, creating favorable conditions for the development of the health sector, especially regarding vaccines, drugs, test kits, biological products, and medical supplies.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment studies and proposes policies to encourage and provide incentives for investment in the production of drugs, vaccines, biological products, and medical supplies. The Ministry of Finance ensures adequate and timely budget allocation for expenditure tasks in general and for the epidemic prevention and control program in particular; coordinates with agencies to promptly handle problems, and publicizes the settlement of payments related to the epidemic prevention and control work of ministries, branches, and localities on mass media.

The Prime Minister requested ministries, branches and localities to step up the fight against corruption, negativity and waste in epidemic prevention and control. Agencies are continuing to handle violations in the spirit of the rule of law; in the coming time, it is necessary to pay attention to guidance, while strengthening inspection, examination and supervision, promptly preventing, detecting and handling violations.

The Ministry of Education and Training coordinates with the Ministry of Health and localities to accelerate vaccination for students, develop plans, arrange resources and logistics for epidemic prevention and control at educational institutions, ensure safe, smooth and effective school opening; establish counseling channels to support the resolution of psychological problems for children, especially those experiencing psychological trauma.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism guides the organization of safe cultural and entertainment activities; coordinates with the Ministry of Health to issue specific instructions on management, care and treatment of F0 tourists (domestic and international) to ensure friendly and safe tourism services; coordinates with agencies to review visa and tourism policies to restore and strongly develop this field; prepares conditions for the safe, effective and successful organization of the 31st SEA Games.

The Prime Minister emphasized that, more than ever, ministries, branches, agencies and localities must be proactive and actively involved, and absolutely must not be negligent or subjective. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs urgently organizes the implementation of Resolution No. 17 of the National Assembly Standing Committee on overtime hours for workers, both serving the rapid recovery and sustainable development and ensuring the health of people and workers; continues to do a better job of ensuring social security, promptly summarizes and evaluates support policies for people, workers and employers according to Resolution No. 68/NQ-CP, researches and proposes to competent authorities to consider support policies when necessary; closely monitors to promptly have plans to support the connection between labor supply and demand, accelerates the recovery of the labor market, provides enough labor for businesses and economic organizations, and resolutely does not let the labor supply chain break down under any circumstances.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade presides over and coordinates with agencies and localities to continue opening green channels for goods to cross the border smoothly and easily, especially the border with China. Localities should enhance their sense of responsibility and closely coordinate with localities of neighboring countries to both effectively prevent and fight the epidemic and facilitate the circulation of goods. The Ministry of Industry and Trade directs to ensure sufficient electricity for production and business, recovery and development, especially to avoid power shortages at medical examination and treatment facilities and epidemic prevention and control work.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the fourth outbreak began in April 2021. In April this year, to effectively control the epidemic and prevent it from spreading, more than ever, ministries, branches, agencies and localities must be proactive and actively involved, absolutely must not be negligent, subjective, or lose vigilance with new developments of the epidemic, must both consolidate and promote what has been done, and must continue to closely monitor the situation, forecast, prepare scenarios and measures so that if a situation occurs, they will not be passive or surprised.