Pandemic Preparedness in Vietnam: Health System Resilience and Areas for Improvement

In the post-COVID-19 era, prioritizing epidemic preparedness has become essential, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigates Vietnam’s health system response during the pandemic, focusing on four key areas: health financing, human resources, health information systems (HIS), and governance. A total of 35 interviews were conducted among health and intersectoral professionals in six provinces. Findings affirms high responsiveness and resilience of Vietnam’s health systems in controlling the pandemic. Besides, it reveals that financial resources, particularly in rural areas, were often insufficient and delayed in allocation. Healthcare workers faced significant burnout and stress, driven by overwhelming demands and limited support. While HIS implementation was rapid, regional disparities and lack of integration across sectors reduced its overall effectiveness. Vietnam’s governance structures, though effective in mobilizing resources and gaining public trust, exhibited gaps in legal frameworks for managing emerging threats and intersectoral collaboration. The study underscores the urgent need for tailored, context-specific interventions to address these vulnerabilities. Improving mechanisms for cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to enhancing the health system's resilience for future pandemics.

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