Enhancing Public Health Capacity for the Safe Resumption of International Travel in Viet Nam 

Location:March 2022 – February 2023

Duration:Ha Giang, Ha Noi, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Dak Lak,  Khanh Hoa, Binh Phuoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Tay Ninh.

Donor/Funding source: The Government of Japan

Implementing partners: General Department of Preventative Medicine (GDPM) under the Ministry of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention,  Immigration Department under The Ministry of Public Security and frontline officials working at points of entry (POE) in Viet Nam

Objectives: To contribute to enhancing public health capacity at POE for the safe resumption of international travel in Viet Nam.

Brief description of project:

Since the beginning of COVID-19 crisis, Viet Nam has closed its borders and suspended entry of all foreigners except for a few selected officials, investors and experts, to prevent the spread of the virus. In February 2022, the Government of Vietnam announced that the international flights have reopened from 15 March 2022 to resume international traffic and trade.

In the context of international flight resumption, frontline officials working at POEplay an important role to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through undertaking measures to reduce the risk of transmission. With financial support from the Government of Japan, the frontline officials at POE and health-care providers at designated facilities will be equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies to safely receive international travellers coming in and departing from Viet Nam, while effectively preventing transmission of COVID-19.

Project activities and its impacts:

Main project activities include the provision of PPE and other essential supplies for POE officials and travellers; development and revision of local procedures to implement thenational operational guideline on safe reopening of the POE with public health measures; and promotion of communication events in remote border areas to enhance their awareness on the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccine as well as the ongoing national vaccination campaign.

The project will contribute to ensuring the health of migrants and host communities recognized as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Target 3.8D Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks and Target 10.7. : Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies This project is also linked with regional and global health initiatives such as the Greater Mekong Subregion Health Security Initiatives and International Health Regulations.