COVID-19 initial preparedness and response in Vietnam during the first six months of the pandemic and the lessons for Sendai framework implementation

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the current responses applied in Vietnam to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and link these measures to priority actions highlighted in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). From there, strengths, limitations and recommendations on applying the SFDRR to build the pandemic resilience in the future are discussed. Design/methodology/approach The authors synthesize literature on response measures to the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam from January to June 2020 and compare to four priority actions of the SFDRR including understanding risk, strengthening governance, investing in risk reduction for resilience and enhancing preparedness for effective response and resilient recovery. Findings Vietnam has effectively controlled the pandemic with 401 infected cases and no death so far. Well preparation, timely policies’ implementation, risk communication and comprehensive approaches are key strategies. These measures are same as the four priority actions in the SFDRR. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Vietnam to link the COVID-19 response and the SFDRR, which can serve as an important example for other countries in responding to the pandemic. Some measures have surpassed SFDRR’s guidance, especially preventive responses applied nationwide with strong political will and the community’s commitment accompanied by sanctions. Cultural factors such as the habit of using masks to prevent air pollution have contributed to the good observance of wearing mask regulations during the pandemic. However, some areas that need more attention include specific solutions for vulnerable groups, limiting fake news and ensuring patient privacy.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 prevention among Vietnamese Healthcare Workers in 2020

“…The reasons could because of successes in risk communication for COVID-19 prevention and control in Vietnam. 19 This contributed to increasing the knowledge and practices of the community and HCWs in particular.…”

“…The reasons could because of successes in risk communication for COVID-19 prevention and control in Vietnam. 19 This contributed to increasing the knowledge and practices of the community and HCWs in particular. The findings also illustrated that the discrepancies in knowledge, attitudes, and practices were significantly different across sub-groups of HCWs.…”

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Vietnam: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

“…The principal strategy to control the pandemic in Vietnam has been focusing on public health solutions, including hand sanitization, mask-wearing, social distancing, travel restrictions, and partial or complete lockdowns. 1 However, for long-term strategies, developing effective and safe vaccines remains a priority. Due to limited resources, Vietnam currently has a relatively low vaccine coverage.…”

Ações governamentais para enfrentamento da crise de desinformação durante a pandemia da Covid-19

“…No Vietnã -país com Estado socialista de partido único, em que o presidente é o mais alto cargo do Partido Comunista -, o enfrentamento das fake news na pandemia da Covid-19 motivou estudos que destacam os aspectos que afetaram a adesão às medidas de resposta nacional, bem como a menção explícita às notícias falsas entre as limitações dessas ações 21, 22 .…”