At present, the Children’s Hospital 1 is providing treatment for nearly 60 Covid-19-infected children. Most of them have underlying medical conditions, including kidney failure and heart diseases, with 14 percent experiencing worsening conditions. The hospital has seen a rise of 30-50 percent in child Covid-19 patients against mid-October.

The Children’s Hospital 2 is serving nearly 100 Covid-19-infected children, including 40 with underlying diseases. Seventeen among those have experienced more serious symptoms.

Around 100 children were receiving hospital treatment for Covid-19 at the HCM City Children's Hospital. The hospital successfully saved a 110-kilo boy from Covid-19 after a month’s effort.

According to Huynh Thi Mai, office manager from the HCM City Department of Health, by December 8, 473 children in HCM City had been treated for Covid-19 infection. The city has recorded no Covid-19-related deaths of children under 16 so far. The city will allow students in Grade 9 and 12 to return to school from December 13.

Press Award promotes "mitigating marine plastic debris"

Winners of the Press Award in “Mitigating marine plastic debris” were honoured at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 10, with a first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes, five consolation prizes and two auxiliary presented.

Organisers had received hundreds of works from 64 press agencies, units and individuals nationwide.

According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), global concerns about litter in the marine environment have been on the rise for several years. Studies show that between 8-12 million tonnes of plastic pollution leak into the ocean each year.

If the world continues on its current trajectory, more plastic than fish will be in the ocean by 2050. Studies have linked unsustainable production and consumption patterns to mounting plastic pollution, which impacts human health as well as the health of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Workshop spotlights flourishing Russia-Vietnam relations

A scientific workshop themed “Russia in the eyes of Vietnamese researchers of Russian studies: humanistic aspects” was organised in Hanoi on December 10.

Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko said the event offered an opportunity for Vietnamese researchers who specialise in Russian studies to discuss the role and position of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, and economic, trade and humanity cooperation between Russia and Vietnam.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung highlighted the significance of the workshop, saying that it helped connect scholars and researchers in the fields Russian studies and Vietnam - Russia relations.

Scientists of Vietnam and Russia discussed, analysed deeply and proposed solutions to strengthen the role and position of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region in general, and strengthen cooperative ties between Russia and Vietnam in particular.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan need to expand cooperation: roundtable

The relationship between Vietnam and Kazakhstan has developed in the spirit of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, heard a roundtable on December 10.

In his remarks, Kazakh Ambassador to Vietnam E. S. Bayzhanov reviewed the 30-year cause of construction and development in Kazakhstan, with its GDP increasing 17 times, from 11.4 billion USD to 188.9 billion USD.

The next meeting of the Vietnam – Kazakhstan inter-governmental cooperation committee will take place in 2022, saying it is time for the two countries to arrange visits at the highest level.

Vietnamese diplomats, researchers and scholars at the event also proposed solutions to enhance the traditional cooperative relations and friendship in the time ahead.

Project launched to promote parenting among Vietnamese

A project was officially launched in Hanoi on December 10 with the aim of promoting parenting to Vietnamese, as well as all-round development of local children.

The project has been rolled out on a trial basis in 27 communes of Gia Lai, Dien Bien and Kon Tum provinces, and a number of factories in and around Ho Chi Minh City since 2019.

The Human Safety Net Foundation committed to providing more than 1 million EUR (1.12 million USD) for the project in 15 cities and provinces, and 40 enterprises during the 2021-2024 period.

The project, therefore, is expected to benefit tens of thousands of parents and children, and millions of others through digital platforms.

Vietnam records 14,839 COVID-19 cases on December 10

Vietnam recorded 14,839 cases of COVID-19 in 57 localities during 24 hours from 4pm December 9 to 4pm December 10, including 20 imported cases, according to the Ministry of Health.

Ho Chi Minh City continued to record the highest number of infections with 1,226, followed by Soc Trang with 894, and Tay Ninh with 893. The national tally reached 1,382,272.

According to the Ministry of Health’s report, 7,681 patients nationwide are in serious conditions, with 849 requiring invasive ventilation and 14 on life support (ECMO).

On the day, the country saw 216 deaths from the disease. The death toll now hits 27,402.

UN to further support Vietnam in human rights issues

The United Nations will continue to support Vietnam in human rights issues in the time ahead, Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Rana Flowers has affirmed.

The UN official made the remark while addressing an international consultation workshop on the second draft voluntary mid-term report on the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) third cycle recommendations in Hanoi on December 10.

This is the first time that Vietnam has compiled a mid-term report on the implementation of UPR third cycle recommendations, which will be sent to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

HCM City start injecting third COVID-19 vaccine jab

Ho Chi Minh City on December 10 started administering additional and booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups and frontline forces, including medical workers, police and army officers and those who are immunocompromised.

The city will continue to administer shots for people aged over 50 from December 13 and finish the vaccination drive within 7-10 days.

The city will inoculate the booster shots to people aged above 18 who are fully vaccinated by the end of next year. Priority will be given to people aged over 50, those suffering from underlying health issues and people who require long-term care at health facilities.

Vietnam commits to protecting universal human rights values: Deputy FM

Vietnam has always made efforts to implement its international commitments in protecting human rights in line with the conventions that it has engaged in, said Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang.

Speaking to the media on the occasion of the international consultation workshop on the second draft voluntary mid-term report on the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) third cycle recommendations that opened in Hanoi on December 10, Deputy FM Giang said that so far, Vietnam has joined the majority of international conventions regarding human rights and committed to fully implementing its obligations in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and these conventions.

The deputy minister underlined that Vietnam has considered the people as the goal and motivation for development.

Photo exhibition on lawyers and homeland’s sea, islands opens

A photo exhibition themed “Vietnamese lawyers and homeland’s sea and islands” was launched by the Vietnam Lawyers’ Association (VLA) in Hanoi on December 10.

The VLA expects the exhibition will provide lawyers and visitors a better understanding of the issue through a wide range of historic documents affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.

Running through December 15, the event introduces some 90 photos capturing the VLA’s activities to protect the country’s sovereignty on the East Sea.

Vietnam highlights general approach to security in context of climate change, terrorism

Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Vietnam to the United Nations, has stressed the need for a general approach method to security issues in the context of climate change and terrorism, while addressing the UN Security Council’s open debate on “Maintenance of international peace and security: Security in the context of terrorism and climate change” on December 9.

He called on States not to allow terrorist groups to exploit the tensions and grievances exacerbated by climate change to further erode State governance, increase recruitment, radicalize disenfranchised people, drawing them to violent extremism.

Emphasising the need to adequately invest in anticipation and resilience, Anh also underscored that equality should be ensured by equity through international cooperation and solidarity. No single country can deal with those threats along, especially climate change, he said.

Seminar seeks opportunities for Vietnamese businesses abroad

A seminar was held on December 10 in virtual and in-person forms for heads of Vietnamese representatives abroad and businesses, aiming to seek measures to promote the economic diplomacy to serve the country’s development.

The seminar, which is the first of a series of events held within the framework of the 31st Diplomatic Conference, is a chance for heads of the agencies to share information on the situation, trends of foreign markets and opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises.

The seminar includes five sessions during which businesses will engage in direct discussions with heads of Vietnamese representative agencies in America, Europe, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia-South Asia-South Pacific, and Middle East-Africa.

Work underway on Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument

The construction of a Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument commenced on December 9 in Svay Rieng province in Cambodia.

Covering approximately 7,500 square metres, the monument is the 23rd friendship monument to be built in Cambodia, which indicates the historical significance of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers’ assistance to the neighbouring country in its fight against the genocidal Pol Pot regime.

Five other friendship monuments will also be inaugurated in 2022 in the provinces of Siem Riep, Odor Meanchey, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Speu, and Pailin. The inaugurations will be more meaningful as they is set to take place in the build up to the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia.

“Vietnam-Philippines: Colour of Culture” exhibition opens in Hanoi

An exhibition themed “Vietnam-Philippines: Colour of Culture” is underway at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, displaying a range of photographs and items to introduce the traditional culture of both countries to viewers.

On display are a range of textile products, brocade fabrics, and national costumes of both Vietnam and the Philippines.

The event will also showcase a wide variety of photos on global cultural heritage sites and natural wonders recognised by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The exhibition is scheduled to last through to December 13.

Do Thi Ha defeated in second round of Head to Head Challenge 

Vietnamese beauty Do Thi Ha suffered a defeat to her rival from Cameroon during the second round of the Head to Head Challenge, which was held as part of the Miss World 2021 beauty pageant.

The top four winners of the competition went to the entrants from Paraguay, Cameroon, the Philippines, and Nepal.

This comes after Ha was listed among the top 13 finalists in the Top Model competition and made it into the top 27 of the most talented contestants currently competing at Miss World 2021.

Moving forward, the local beauty is scheduled to perform the Latin song “Despacito” on the T’rung, a traditional instrument from the Central Highlands, during the upcoming Talent competition. The final night of Miss World 2021 is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 16.

Local paintings go on display in Da Nang

An exhibition of 48 wood carvings, wood sculpture, oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings that were created by 44 artists are on display for the public at the central city’s Fine Arts Museum at 78 Le Duan street.

The collection features the daily life of local people living in the coastal central city and the central region, as well as the beauty of various landscapes and destinations.

The exhibition will open doors for free until December 20. All visitors must use a QR Code for health declaration, and preventive measures for COVID-19 protection. 

HCM City seeks support from private pharmacies

The city’s Department of Health has called for private pharmacies to be more involved in the city’s fight against COVID-19. The city has more than 6,500 private pharmacies.

Pharmacies can supply equipment and medicine at reasonable prices to help COVID patients treat themselves at home, such as rapid test kits, pulse oximeters, and disinfectant.

Pharmacies have also been asked to offer health consultations to help patients at home, and to spread awareness about pandemic preventive measures, guiding customers with symptoms to test themselves and to contact local health authorities if they test positive.

Pharmacies have also been asked to keep up-to-date lists of local medical stations and community-based COVID treatment teams so that locals can contact them.

Former Director of Bach Mai Hospital detained on corruption charges

Nguyen Quang Tuan, former director of Hanoi Heart Hospital and Bach Mai Hospital, was detained on Friday for further investigation into his role in a case of medical equipment price gouging.

Earlier on October 21, legal proceedings were launched against Tuan by the Police Investigation Agency on charges of “Violations in bidding process leading to serious consequences” under Article 222 of the Criminal Code. He was then placed under house arrest until today.

Tuan’s offences happened during his tenure as director of the Hanoi Heart Hospital from 2012 to 2020. He is alleged to have signed multiple documents relating to these purchases, which inflated the overall cost and caused over VNĐ40 billion (US$1.739 million) in damage to State assets, affecting hospital patients and causing public outcry.

The investigation of the Hanoi Heart Hospital comes as part of a nationwide campaign to uncover illegal activities in medical equipment bidding in public hospitals.

HCM City passes resolution on socio-economic recovery

The HCM City People’s Council has passed a resolution on socio-economic tasks for 2022 and the next five years to help “adapt safely and flexibly and effectively contain the outbreak, improve the quality of urban government, support businesses, and improve the business climate.” 

The tasks include making the city a smart city with a focus on digital economy and an international financial hub for Southeast Asia by 2030 and for Asia by 2045. It also targets per capita income of US$13,000 by 2030 and $37,000 by 2045.

The People’s Council has divided a five-year economic recovery plan into two phases. Until the end of 2022 the city will continue to focus on pandemic prevention while also reviving the economy and supply chains, creating employment and ensuring workers’ welfare. From 2023 to 2025 it will resolve problems faced by the city such as traffic jams, flooding, air pollution, and others. 

Forum discusses higher education internationalisation

More than 300 participants from 75 education facilities, 30 foreign embassies and 16 local and international organisations discussed internationalisation in higher education, at a forum in Hanoi on December 9.

The fifth forum “Internationalisation of higher education in fostering innovation ecosystem in the Volatility; Uncertainty; Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) world" was organised, both offline and online, by the Foreign Trade University (FTU).

The annual forum aims to create opportunities for participants to work together and share ideas, research and lessons in fostering innovation and to realise the role of internationalisation in higher education.

Regional conference opens up opportunities for scientists in engineering

The regional conference in Transportation, Energy and Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (RCTEMME2021) was held on December 10-11 promote academic collaboration in engineering among ASEAN and Japanese universities.

The conference, ending on Saturday, aims to promote academic collaboration among ASEAN and Japanese universities, strengthen relationships among academics in the region and open up future collaboration in the engineering field with the Government and private sector.

The issues discussed at the conference aim to help achieve higher productivity and lower costs to meet the growing needs of billions of people around the world.

As many as 164 reports on sustainable energy development, mechanical engineering technology and mechanical engineering were presented.

Hanoi hospitals support Covid-19 fight in the south

The Ministry of Health has assigned three more hospitals in Hanoi to assist in Covid-19 prevention activities in southern localities amid the rising number of new cases.

Under the decision signed on Friday by Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, Vietnam-Germany Friendship Hospital and the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology to help Ba Ria-Vung Tau in assessing the province’s current conditions of sick-beds, medical equipment, medicines as well as staff for define possible difficulties in Covid-19 prevention and control activities.  

On the same day, K Hospital in Hanoi sent a delegation of 17 staff, including senior experts, to Kien Giang Province which is also facing a sharp increase in new Covid-19 infections.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health instructed 14 hospitals to support HCM City and 10 southern localities.

87 intellectuals honoured for outstanding contributions to the health sector

The Vietnam General Medical Association on December 10 honoured 87 medical intellectuals who had outstanding contributions to the health sector.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan presented the Independence Order, second class to the VGMA, in recognition of the continuous efforts made by generations of members of the association over the past 66 years.

Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong arrested

Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong was detained on December 10 after a month of being prosecuted for his alleged dereliction of duty in Vietnam Pharma JSC’s (VN Pharma) fake cancer drug import and trade. The Supreme People’s Procuracy also approved the Ministry of Public Security’s decision to stop placing Cuong under house arrest.

The decision followed a broader investigation into the Vietnamese pharmaceutical firm’s trading in fake drugs labeled Health 2000 Canada.

As of November 11, 14 people involved in the cases had been indicted and Cuong was charged with irresponsibility, causing serious consequences. Nguyen Minh Hung, former chairman and general director of VN Pharma; Vo Manh Cuong, former director of H&C Company; and seven other accomplices were charged with trading in fake drugs.

HCMC bestows “Heroic Vietnamese Mother” title to 23 women

23 women whose husbands and children bravely sacrificed themselves for national liberation and unification in Ho Chi Minh City were honored with the Vietnamese Heroic Mother title on December 10.

On behalf of the city leaders, Chairwoman of the HCMC People’s Council Nguyen Thi Le expressed her deep gratitude to the heroic mothers for their great contribution and sacrifice towards the cause of national liberation and reconstruction, and wished them good health and a long life, and asked the local authorities to take care of the mothers and help improve their lives.
As many as 5,471 women have been awarded and posthumously bestowed with the Vietnamese Heroic Mother title in HCMC. Among them, only 128 are alive.

VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES DECEMBER 10

Conference on nuclear science, technology opens