A COVID-19 vaccine, researched by the Khánh Hòa Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals, was tested on animals such as yellow mice, rats and rabbits and has shown safe vaccine results. The institute proposed the Ministry of Health to conduct human trials scheduled for the end of this month. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vân

HÀ NỘI — Delegates discussed public health policies and measures and international co-operation with the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent health threats during a seminar yesterday.

The event was held in Hà Nội by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy.

Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tô Anh Dũng said the COVID-19 pandemic has no borders, so no country or territory can individually control and defeat it.

He emphasised that, along with domestic efforts to repel the pandemic, being a responsible member state for international issues, Việt Nam would work with other countries and the international community in this war.

Việt Nam also supports the WHO in co-ordinating global efforts to prevent and fight the pandemics.

As Chair of ASEAN 2020, Việt Nam promoted joint efforts of the region in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the framework of the United Nations, on December 27, 2020, for the first time, the international community organised 'International Day for Disease Control and Prevention' under a resolution passed by the United Nations.

Assessing COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control in Việt Nam, WHO Representative in Việt Nam Kidong Park said Việt Nam was a country with many potential risks of COVID-19 outbreak due to its boundary to many countries. But, up to now, the pandemic prevention and control in Việt Nam had been implemented very effectively when comparing the number of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 with countries with a population larger than or equal to Việt Nam.

Park suggested Vietnamese people continue to implement protective measures such as washing hands, wearing masks everywhere, stay calm and together hope to achieve community immunity soon.

Park also congratulated Việt Nam for having two COVID-19 vaccines going into clinical trials.

Participants at the seminar agreed that in the context of the global war against the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine story is opening up new hope, but still needs co-ordination and efforts on a global scale. — VNS