Dr. Nguyen Tri Dung, director of the HCM City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (left), receives the donation of the state-of-the-art Thermofisher Realtime PCR system given by AmCham Vietnam-HCM City and Da Nang. — Photo courtesy of AmCham Vietnam

The American Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam – HCM City and Da Nang (AmCham) on Monday (August 10) donated a Thermofisher Scientific Realtime PCR system to the HCM City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to support Viet Nam’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to build the capacity to respond to outbreaks of other infectious diseases.

With the donation of the state-of-the-art Thermofisher Realtime PCR system, valued at more than VND1.4 billion (US$60,400), AmCham join hands with HCM City authorities to support ongoing efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Viet Nam, said AmCham Executive Director Mary Tarnowka.

“I want to convey the deep appreciation of AmCham Vietnam-HCM City and Da Nang for the effectiveness of actions taken by Vietnamese Government leaders and the incredible dedication of Vietnamese officials, including representatives of the HCM City Department of Health and Centre for Disease Control, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and keeping those of us who live in Viet Nam safe and healthy.

“The recent outbreak in Da Nang has made clear the need for continued vigilance and testing,” she said.

Phan Kieu Thanh Huong, deputy chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of HCM City, said: “The experience of the last 25 years of relations between the US and Viet Nam has brought us closer. By partnering together, we can overcome hardship and become even stronger.” — VNS