Switzerland sends 13 tonnes of medical supplies to support Vietnam's COVID-19 fight

August 13, 2021 | 09:38

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Swiss Humanitarian Aid is sending 30 ventillators, 500,000 antigen tests, and 280,000 medical face masks to the country to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The consignment includes $5.42 million worth of relief supplies.

Switzerland sends 13 tonnes of medical supplies to support Vietnam's COVID-19 fight

Switzerland is supporting Vietnam's combat against the COVID-19 pandemic

In view of the precarious public health situation in Vietnam, the Swiss Confederation has decided to support the country in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 13 tonnes of relief supplies are being delivered, with the Armed Forces Pharmacy providing 30 ventilators and the Federal Office of Public Health providing 500,000 antigen tests, and 280,000 medical face masks. It has already been ensured that the supplies will not be needed by the Swiss population.

A cargo plane took off from Zurich today for Ho Chi Minh City, which is the epicentre of the pandemic in Vietnam. There, the equipment will be handed over to the Vietnamese health authorities by the Swiss consul general. The Swiss Embassy in Vietnam is in close contact with all actors involved in this relief operation.

This is the eighth time in four months that Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has sent relief supplies abroad to combat the pandemic. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Switzerland has been continuously monitoring developments in the global public health situation and is ready to provide as much support as it can upon request.

Last week, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received visiting Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Hanoi. The Vietnamese prime minister has expressed gratitude to the Swiss government for the timely and valuable help when Vietnam is coping with a resurgence of COVID-19.

PM Chinh recommended the sides boosting cooperation in technological transfer and production of pharmaceuticals, including COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs.

By Thanh Van

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