New Zealand in partnership with UNICEF Provides NZ$ 1 Million in medical equipment to Viet Nam

HANOI, June 28, 2023 – Today, in a ceremony at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the New Zealand Embassy in Viet Nam in partnership with UNICEF marked the recent provision of NZ$ 1 million in medical equipment to Viet Nam to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

The medical equipment supported by New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme and delivered through UNICEF includes Hematology Analyser, Coagulation Analyser, Immunoassay Analyser System, Biochemistry Analyser and Automated DNA/RNA extraction machine. The donation aims to support Viet Nam to strengthen the capacity of the health system to effectively diagnose and treat COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a strong blow to health systems worldwide, including Viet Nam. It has emphasized the critical need to invest in building a robust and highly resilient health care system to better prepare for future pandemics,” said New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam, Ms. Tredene Dobson. "We hope that the new medical equipment will offer essential support for the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, which has been at the forefront of the pandemic, to increase its capacity to more effectively respond to future outbreaks and provide better care and ensure the well-being of the Vietnamese people.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed challenges for every health system across the world, emphasizing the need for stronger primary health care services, preventative services, ensuring protection for the most vulnerable and the importance of delivering services equitably. It also highlighted the importance of planning for health crises, ensuring a strengthened health system is in place with the skills and equipment needed to treat those needing additional support”, said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative. “UNICEF is honoured to collaborate with the Government of New Zealand, to further strengthen the capacity of Viet Nam’s health system to respond swiftly to diseases of today, and to effectively address future outbreaks”.

The medical equipment is part of the NZ$2 million contribution from New Zealand to support Viet Nam’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, announced by the New Zealand Embassy in May 2022. The project included NZ$1 million for medical equipment, provided through UNICEF Viet Nam, and NZ$1 million for community-level economic recovery support through CARE International and Oxfam in Viet Nam.