[Interactive] Updates on COVID-19

The fourth wave of COVID-19 since April 27, 2021 is the most severe outbreak in Vietnam so far, taking a heavy toll on the economy, society, and people’s lives. Aside from demanding serious application of the 5K principle, the Government has issued many strong measures against the pandemic.

The fourth wave of COVID-19 has been happening on a large scale and increasingly unpredictable as it has spread to more than 50 cities and provinces.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still developing complicatedly around the world. Many regions have recorded new and more dangerous variants, posing apparent risks of new outbreaks, even in the countries with large vaccination coverage.

Ho Chi Minh City and some other southern localities are witnessing complex COVID-19 developments with an increasing number of cases as the pandemic has spread in the community, and infection chains and hotbeds of unknown sources have been reported.

Facing the risk of the pandemic spreading from Ho Chi Minh City to nearby provinces, the Prime Minister decided to impose social distancing under Directive 16/CT-TTg on 19 provinces and cities in the south.

As many as 11,971 COVID-19 patients were given all-clear as of 6:00 am on July 22, 2021, according to the Ministry of Health.

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A healthcare worker administers a measles vaccine to a child at a vaccination site in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

WHO, UNICEF commend Vietnam’s progress in childhood immunisation

In 2024, Vietnam achieved 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, up from 80% in 2023. Immunisation coverage in the country has not only rebounded to the high levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic but has now surpassed the rates recorded in 2019.

Youngsters donate blood at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Hanoi. (Photo courtesy of NIHBT)

Health sector calls on people to donate blood

During the peak months of July and August 2025, the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) needs at least 90,000 units of blood to supply 180 hospitals in the northern region. However, despite continuous efforts, the reserve blood is still short of 30,000 units.

Le Thanh Dung, Director of the Population Authority under the Ministry of Health, speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi celebrates World Population Day

The Hanoi ceremony highlighted efforts to ensure all citizens, especially women and youth, can access accurate information and healthcare services to make informed reproductive choices.

Vietnam, Germany forge cardiovascular partnership

Vietnam, Germany forge cardiovascular partnership

Currently, cardiovascular specialists from the 108 Military Central Hospital are working alongside a team of Prof.Dr. Jan D. Schmitto, Deputy Director of MHH’s Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery on clinical trials for MCS devices, implanted in heart failure patients either as a bridge to transplantation or as permanent treatment.

Patients are treated in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at the Vietnam National Institute of Marine Medicine. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam – attractive destination for medical tourism

Not only does Vietnam attract international tourists with its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, but it is also gradually becoming a reliable destination for medical treatment, offering high-quality services at reasonable costs.

Telehealth platforms in use at Hanoi Medical University Hospital. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Vietnam looks to expand telehealth to improve access for remote communities

Over the past six months, 150 communal health stations in provinces including Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Tay Ninh, Hau Giang, Ben Tre and Ca Mau have been equipped with information technology systems. In addition, 117 key provincial healthcare workers have received training, with thousands more expected to follow.

A doctor from the medical centre of Ward 16, Go Vap district, Ho Chi Minh City is providing an online medical examination for a patient. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK strengthen cooperation in telemedicine

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ministry of Health swiftly launched a telemedicine programme, connecting more than 1,000 medical establishments nationwide. The model, which remains in operation, has benefited tens of thousands of patients, including foreign nationals.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Viet Nhung, Dean of Medicine at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University (VNU) Hanoi, speaks online on Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy in medical education. (Photo: VNA)

Forum spotlights AI and digital innovation in healthcare

To achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045, Vietnam is prioritising the integration of AI and digital tools into the training of future doctors, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Nhung, Dean of Medicine at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University (VNU) Hanoi.