A police officer walks past soccer fans at a match in early June, after the Vietnamese government eased a nationwide lockdown following the COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo: Reuters/Kham)

The article said Vietnam’s successful strategy was informed by its experience with previous outbreaks, the Prime Minister’s priority of health above economic concerns, and the strategy to deploy the military, public security services, and grass-root organizations. The government estimated the budgetary cost of fighting the pandemic at about 0.2 percent of GDP.

The article said from an early stage, communications about the virus and the strategy were transparent. Effective and transparent communications won the population’s buy-in, and contains broader lessons for developing countries. This well-coordinated multi-media approach strengthened public trust and helped society adhere to protective and containment measures.