An update from our COVID-19 research

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Woolcock Vietnam is working on a number of projects to help understand and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.

In our February 2021 report, you can read updates from four of our projects. Download the full report in English or Vietnamese:

In August 2022, our team completed the report COVID-19 coverage, behavioural and social drivers, communication activities in Vietnam: A narrative review.

Below you will find a summary of each project, and links to infographics that summarise our findings.

Measuring the prevalence of COVID-19

After taking blood samples from communities across Vietnam, our team found the incidence of COVID-19 was very low: positive SARS-CoV-2 serology varied between 0 and 1.1 percent of the population in sampled communities.

The results indicate that Vietnam's response has been effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

This project is providing reliable, detailed evidence to support the Vietnamese government's public health intervention strategy.

View an infographic on the results of the research:

Using X-rays to understand the health impacts of COVID-19

Pulmonary disease is a major manifestation of COVID-19 and an important cause of serious illness and death.

Our researchers used chest X-rays to investigate pulmonary abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.

They found that patients had a high incidence of chest X-ray abnormalities, despite most having only mild cases of COVID-19.

The researchers conclude that we urgently need better ways to identify patients at increased risk of pulmonary complications from COVID-19.

Understanding people's experience of COVID-19 in Vietnam

In this study, researchers interviewed people infected with COVID-19 and their contacts to better understand their experiences of COVID-19.

The interviews uncovered a social stigma associated with COVID-19.

The researchers found that stigmatisation had caused some people to avoid reporting their symptoms, tracking their social interactions, or getting tested. This has made disease management more difficult.

The researchers call for better education and improved policies to avoid the detrimental effects of stigmatisation.

Watch a video on the key findings:

 

Implementing a large scale vaccine program in Vietnam

Our researchers undertook a review to help the Government prepare for a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination program.

The researchers find that Vietnam is generally well-prepared to produce and deliver COVID-19 vaccines. However, they also identify key challenges that need addressing to ensure a fair, safe and efficient vaccine roll out.

The researchers have produced an infographic on their findings

Find out more

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