Vietnam president demands equitable supply of Covid vaccines in UN speech

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, he said: "To soon eliminate Covid-19, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation and solidarity in the spirit of responsibility and sharing, especially prioritizing the provision of vaccines to people in countries with low vaccination rates, creating conditions for developing countries to produce and participate in the supply chain of vaccines."

He hailed the role of the Covax Facility, the global Covid-19 vaccine delivery mechanism backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in promoting equitable access to vaccines and drugs.

The most urgent task is to control Covid since the world cannot be safe if there are people or countries still at risk from the pandemic, he said.

After the pandemic is ended, the prerequisite for recovery and growth is a peaceful, secure and stable environment in each country and region, he said.

Earlier that day, at a Covid-19 summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UNGA, Phuc called on Covax and countries with large resources to provide more vaccines to developing countries.

He hoped at least 70 percent of the populations of these countries to be fully vaccinated before the UNGA session next year.

At other events on the sidelines of the session too, he called on other countries to help Vietnam obtain Covid vaccines and drugs.