Vietnam records highest number of COVID-19 cases in six months
Vietnam on April 27 reported 2,958 new COVID-19 cases – the highest recorded in a day in the past over six months, according to the Ministry of Health.
An old man gets vaccinated against COVID-19. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam on April 27 reported 2,958 new COVID-19 cases –the highest recorded in a day in the past over six months, according to theMinistry of Health.
Since the pandemic broke out in the country in early 2020,Vietnam has reported over 11.55 million cases, of whom nearly 10.62 million weregiven the all-clear, and 43,188 people died of the disease.
To date, the country has administered approximately 266.2million doses of vaccines against COVID-19.
Statistics of the Ministry of Health showed the number of newCOVID-19 cases has been increasing again, and two deaths have also beenrecorded after nearly four months, including a patient with underlying diseases whowas not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Authorities have requested localities accelerate vaccinationfor people of high-risk groups.
Prof. Phan Trong Lan, Director of the Ministry of Health'sDepartment of Preventive Medicine, said that the implementation of COVID-19prevention measures – masking and disinfecting – should be done regularly andcontinuously during the upcoming holidays of Hung Kings Commemoration Day,National Reunification and May Day from April 29 to May 3, amid a rise ininfections in the country.
Lan suggested localities need to increase pandemicsurveillance during the holidays. After a few years of travel restrictionscaused by the pandemic, demand for travel is expected to be high, which resultsin elevated risks of disease spreading.
Furthermore, the local health sector must continuecoordinating with the education authorities to ensure pandemic prevention inschools, as many will start final exams after the holidays.
Lan also suggested that the Pasteur Institutes and theregional branches of the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology work with theprovinces and cities to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation ofhospitalised and severe cases, which will provide data to inform the publicabout the outbreak situation and urge further vaccinations.
At the same time, the institutes will need to step upsampling and genetic sequencing of case samples to keep a close watch onvariants of coronavirus circulating in the community.
Localities need to manage non-communicable diseases in thecommunity and medical facilities to reduce pressure when dealing with peoplewith underlying medical conditions that have COVID-19.
Provinces and cities should promptly update local pandemicassessment levels to take appropriate measures to prevent and control seriousoutbreaks./.
Ho Chi Minh City Health Department has asked local hospitals to stand ready to receive COVID-19 patients in necessary circumstances, amid the rising number of infections.
Vietnam now boasts a nationwide healthcare network with 1,665 hospitals, 384 of which are non-public, supported by local commune- and ward-level stations. At the end of 2024, hospital bed capacity reached 34 per 10,000 people, slightly above the global average.
The 56-year-old patient from Quang Tri province was discharged in stable condition as he no longer experienced shortness of breath and was able to walk, move around, and eat normally.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute, said that under the MoU, the two sides committed to promoting diverse and practical collaborative activities, including joint conferences and workshops, exchanges of scholars, researchers and students, sharing academic materials, and the development of specific programmes and projects in scientific research, training, and epidemic prevention.
TytoCare, a leading Israeli telemedicine company based in Netanya, is willing to work with Vietnamese regulators, insurers, and healthcare providers to develop a sustainable digital health ecosystem.
The partnership is under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development and implementation of the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control, signed in Hanoi on July 22.
An estimated 7 million Vietnamese are currently living with diabetes, but about 50% remain undiagnosed, a dangerous gap that is fuelling serious, preventable complications and increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
In 2024, Vietnam achieved 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, up from 80% in 2023. Immunisation coverage in the country has not only rebounded to the high levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic but has now surpassed the rates recorded in 2019.
Health authorities in HCM City have issued an urgent alert after six people died from dengue fever, amid a spike in infections driven by the onset of the rainy season.
During the peak months of July and August 2025, the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) needs at least 90,000 units of blood to supply 180 hospitals in the northern region. However, despite continuous efforts, the reserve blood is still short of 30,000 units.
The Hanoi ceremony highlighted efforts to ensure all citizens, especially women and youth, can access accurate information and healthcare services to make informed reproductive choices.
After such a long time, the law has revealed many limitations, prompting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to gather opinions to amend the law to give more chances to thousands of patients every year.
Currently, cardiovascular specialists from the 108 Military Central Hospital are working alongside a team of Prof.Dr. Jan D. Schmitto, Deputy Director of MHH’s Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery on clinical trials for MCS devices, implanted in heart failure patients either as a bridge to transplantation or as permanent treatment.
The centre not only serves residents living on the island, but also receives tens of thousands of visitors every year, according to Assoc Prof Dr Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the HCM CIty Department of Health.
Not only does Vietnam attract international tourists with its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, but it is also gradually becoming a reliable destination for medical treatment, offering high-quality services at reasonable costs.
Over the past six months, 150 communal health stations in provinces including Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Tay Ninh, Hau Giang, Ben Tre and Ca Mau have been equipped with information technology systems. In addition, 117 key provincial healthcare workers have received training, with thousands more expected to follow.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ministry of Health swiftly launched a telemedicine programme, connecting more than 1,000 medical establishments nationwide. The model, which remains in operation, has benefited tens of thousands of patients, including foreign nationals.
After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, the patient's pneumonia improved, breathing stabilised, sedation was reduced, and the breathing tube was removed. He is now conscious, able to eat orally, and in recovery.
An old man gets vaccinated against COVID-19. (Photo: VNA) 
