Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was very proud to witness the changes in medicine and health care in Vietnam over the past decades. Since 1945 Vietnam’s life expectancy has increased by many years. The country has significantly reduced preventable diseases, including the eradication of polio and great strides in tackling diseases like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.

Vietnam has also expanded its health insurance system, helping it gain achievements in health care for its people, Tedros said, adding that progress has also been made in addressing risk factors for non-communicable diseases, such as reducing the smoking rate.

Vietnam has shown its capacity to respond strongly to the COVID-19 pandemic, including carrying out vaccinations comprehensively and quickly, and always targeting the most vulnerable groups.

The WHO is proud to be a trusted partner of the Vietnamese Government and people and is committed to maintaining strong coordination and support for Vietnam on its journey to bring a healthier, safer and more prosperous life to all Vietnamese, said the WHO chief.