A Vingroup representative (centre) shakes hands with research groups. (Photo courtesy of Vingroup) Hanoi (VNA) – Private conglomerate Vingroup has pledged nearly 19.5 billion VND (around 840,000 USD) to fund research projects on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VINIF) and Vingroup Big Data Institute (VINBDI) on February 20 signed a sponsorship agreement with the Company for Vaccine and Biological Production No.1 (Vabiotech), National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, and Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health to develop a vaccine, warning system and comprehensive research on the virus.
Vabiotech will get 8 billion VND (almost 345,000 USD) for the project on developing COVID-19 vaccine in the laboratory led by Doctor Do Tuan Dat.
The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology will receive a grant of nearly 7.5 billion VND (323,000 USD) for the project on the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus, led by Associate Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan.
The project to develop a national early warning system for the epidemic led by Prof. Dr. Le Thi Huong of the Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health will get 4 billion VND (193,000 USD).
All funding will be used by these organisations for research and producing test kits for disease diagnosis; researching treatment regimens; research and manufacture of vaccines; research on the epidemiological characteristics, viral characteristics and transmission ability of the virus.
Vabiotech is expected to produce 1,000 doses of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
Speaking at the event, Associate Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Ha Duong, Managing Director of the Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VINIF), expressed her high hope over Vietnam’s scientific contributions in controlling the epidemic.
“Aiming to promote scientific and technological research in Viet Nam, we look forward to empowering scientists in research on disease prevention and control which will be very effective with the cooperation of the State. Despite being urgent, the selected projects have been reviewed strictly by the National Council or the Science Council of the Foundation,” she said
This agreement makes Vingroup the first private enterprise to work with the State in controlling the virus and protecting public health./.
VNA
