Vietnam offers Cambodia largest Covid-19 aid package

In an online meeting with his Cambodian counterpart Mam Buncheng, Long shared Vietnam’s experience in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected over 144 million and killed over three million people globally.

"One of Vietnam’s lessons in preventing and fighting the pandemic is to utilize the whole political system and population in the fight," said Long, adding that collaboration between all Covid-19 treatment facilities meant that doctors could discuss treatment of difficult cases with each other.

"Remote diagnosis was very effective and successful for Vietnam during the first and second Covid-19 waves. During the third wave in Hai Duong, there were many severely ill patients but we managed to treat and save them all," he added.

Vietnam’s first coronavirus wave began between January and February last year, with the epicenter being northern Vinh Phuc Province. The second wave began in central Da Nang City between July and August last year, and the third one was centered in the northern Hai Duong, Quang Ninh provinces and HCMC earlier this year.

Long said Vietnam was willing to connect the two countries' Covid-19 treatment facilities, allowing an exchange of experts from both sides if needed. Vietnam would also send Cambodia 800 ventilators, around 2.3 million medical masks and other equipment, he added, saying the batch would be Vietnam's largest aid package for foreign countries in the Covid-19 fight.

As Cambodia continues its coronavirus fight, special attention should be paid to its borders with Vietnam in light of recent complex situations that have developed because of illegal entrants, Long said.

Cambodia is grappling with its latest Covid-19 outbreak, which has infected nearly 7,000 people in the first quarter alone, while the country only recorded a little over 400 cases last year.

Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and the Ta Khmau Municipality have been placed under lockdowns.