Country case study: Vietnam

This country case study documents the epidemiology of COVID-19 from January 16, 2020 (before the first case was found in Vietnam on January 23), to June 30, 2022, in Vietnam, and covers its pandemic preparedness and control policies, governance, and health care system, as well as the impact on the economy and businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented damage to the economy and health of people worldwide. It has led to considerable losses in human life and the economy, exposing underlying health system challenges and inequities. Lessons learned in the country and challenges for better preparation for the future are described.

The following lessons were learned:

• The scale of the pandemic required all levels of support from not only the government (local and central), but also from the police, army, and private sector enterprises to ensure security and social order in the country. In addition, the support from international organizations and other countries has been critical. Vietnam not only received financial support and donations, but also benefited from vaccine diplomacy, knowledge exchanges, and sharing of lessons from other countries for the prevention and control of the crisis.
• Community COVID-19 group: The community COVID-19 group has been critical in influencing people’s behaviors and social norms during the pandemic. This community COVID group model was first piloted during the Son Loi outbreak in Vinh Phuc (first wave), and then scaled up to other affected areas such as Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Duong. The groups operate on a voluntary basis, led by civil organizations in the community and volunteers, under the supervision of the government and local police officers.
• Model of mobile medical station: Mobile medical stations were set up to ensure access to medical services in a timely manner. This enabled early diagnosis and timely referral to higher-level health facilities, thereby minimizing the risk of severe cases and deaths.
• Rapid and targeted COVID-19 testing: Rapid testing in high or very high-risk areas helped to detect and isolate cases, limiting the spread of the outbreak, and helped infected people access health care facilities.