Policy In Vietnam Research Articles

Effectiveness of the lockdown policy in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the absence of vaccines and effective treatments, governments worldwide have implemented lockdown policies as non-pharmaceutical interventions to flatten the infection curve. This study evaluates the effectiveness of containment policies implemented at the local level in Vietnam. Data were synthesized from 143 policy interventions across 49 provinces and centrally run cities from April 27 to October 1, 2021, and an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was used to estimate the effectiveness of each intervention. A random-effects meta-analysis was then conducted to combine the results based on different criteria. This analysis found that Directives No.15/CT-TTg and No.16/CT-TTg were successfully implemented in the provinces of Northern Midlands and Mountains, Red River Delta, North Central, Central Coastline, and Central Highlands. However, these directives were less effective when employed in the Southeast and the Mekong Delta areas. Furthermore, the ITS analysis indicates that Ho Chi Minh City and provinces in the Southeast region implemented stringent lockdown directives later than other regions, leading to the loss of control over the pandemic during the study period. In-depth studies on lockdown interventions could provide valuable insights for policymakers in managing future outbreaks, particularly considering the time required for the development of vaccines and drugs.

Seroprevalence of anti-diphtheria toxoid antibody and implications for vaccination policy in Vietnam’s South-central coast: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDiphtheria is a re-emerging infectious disease and public health concern worldwide and in Vietnam with increasing cases in recent years. This study aimed to assess the anti-diphtheria toxoid antibodies status in Khanh Hoa Province and identify factors contributing to the vaccination policy in the south-central coast of Vietnam.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-diphtheria toxoid antibodies among 1,195 participants, aged 5 – 40 years in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Immunoglobulin G antibody levels against diphtheria were detected using a commercial anti-diphtheria toxoid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SERION ELISA classic Diphtheria Immunoglobulin G) and were categorized following the World Health Organization guidelines.ResultsThe mean anti-diphtheria toxoid antibody levels were 0.07 IU/ml (95% Confidence Interval: 0.07–0.08). Anti-diphtheria toxoid antibody levels were found to be associated with age and history of diphtheria vaccination. The 5–15 years age group had the highest levels (0.09 IU/ml), while the older age group had the lowest antibody level (p < 0.001). Individuals who received three doses (adjusted Odds ratio: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.35 – 4.07) or 4+ doses (adjusted Odds ratio: 2.45, 95%CI: 1.29 – 4.64) had a higher antibody level compared to those who received only one dose regardless of age.ConclusionIt is crucial to promote routine vaccination coverage to over 95% for children under one year of age with three primary doses of the diphtheria-containing vaccine, including additional doses at 18 months and 7 years of age. Booster doses should be promoted and administered to adolescents and adults every 10 years.

Sustaining village malaria worker programmes with expanded roles: Perspectives of communities, healthcare workers, policymakers, and implementers in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, multiple types of community-based malaria workers are recruited to promote access to malaria testing and treatment for at-risk mobile and migrant populations. However, as the country approaches elimination, these roles are at risk from declining investment. This article characterises the different types of workers and relevant health policy in Vietnam, and explores stakeholder perspectives on sustaining and expanding the roles of these workers in the malaria elimination context. We conducted a rapid policy document review to describe the policy background of community-based health care in Vietnam and identify key informants. In-depth interviews were conducted with policymakers and implementers (n = 11) in different government sectors, international, and civil society organizations. We also conducted interviews (n = 8) and two focus group discussions with community members (n = 12), and interviews with health workers (n = 9) in 18 communities in Phu Yen and Binh Thuan provinces in the central region. Our study identified three main types of malaria workers: village health workers (VHWs), malaria post workers (MPWs) and other groups of workers supported by civil society organisations (CSO). Workers reported being willing to maintain their current roles and potentially provide additional services that respond to community needs, although they were concerned about excess workload and inadequate income. Besides working in a variety of jobs to secure their incomes, mainly in agriculture, VHWs in particular were primarily tasked with supporting the delivery of a wide range of health services from commune health stations. Faced with reduced patients, MPWs and CSO-supported workers could be tasked with the following potential roles: case notification for infectious diseases, real-time data collection and reporting, and screening for non-malaria illnesses using other rapid test kits. There was agreement that the community-based health network is crucial to health care delivery in remote communities and to ensure comprehensive access to care among vulnerable populations. However, policymakers and implementers stressed concerns about their limited skillsets, the inadequate budget to support these workers, and the regulation constraining them from performing diagnosis and treatment activities, highlighting the priority to maintain the capacity of workers and funding allocation through provincial advocacy and multi-programme collaboration. This study highlights the crucial role of community-based health workers in eliminating malaria in Vietnam. Sustained efforts are needed to maintain accessible case detection and treatment while addressing local health concerns beyond malaria. Implementing these strategies requires prioritizing the mapping of groups most in need and developing enablers to raise community awareness and maintain the capacity of these workers. Ensuring political advocacy, financial resources, and coordination between multiple groups are key to maximizing impact and integrating malaria activities into the broader health system.

Factors Affecting the Citizen Satisfaction With Public Policy in Vietnam

The correlation between individuals and policies has been a longstanding concern within the realm of public policy analysis. However, scant attention has been paid to rigorous investigations into people's contentment with existing policies. Research focusing on good governance, characterized by attributes such as participatory, consensus-oriented, transparent and accountable, responsive and effective, efficient, equitable, inclusive and following the rule of law, has laid the groundwork for a constructive evaluation framework for each nation's governance, particularly in the evaluation of public policies. The evaluation of people's satisfaction constitutes a pivotal component of policy assessment. Individuals possess the right to understand and be informed about policy issues, their underlying rationales, and the benefits they accrue to the populace at large, thereby ensuring alignment with the country's political directives and policies. Evaluating satisfaction through the lens of good governance theory enriches analyses and discussions concerning the determinants of public satisfaction with the policy-making process, thereby broadening the discourse on policies centered around human welfare. Consequently, it offers insightful implications for national strategies. Vietnam is one of the developing countries that always listens to the thoughts and aspirations of the people, improves policies in accordance with reality, and ensures the leadership of the Party and State. The article uses qualitative methods to systematize the research model and uses quantitative methods to show factors affecting people's policy satisfaction

Climate‐driven runoff variability in semi‐mountainous reservoirs of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: Insights for sustainable water management

AbstractThe Mekong Delta, South East Asia's ‘rice bowl’, sustains more than 18 million people through its agricultural output. This yield is secured by efficient water management systems but is susceptible to climatic changes. As Vietnam's policies aim to optimize the delta's semi‐mountainous regions reliant on rain‐fed agriculture, this study investigates drought risks and climate change impacts on runoff in the O Ta Soc and O Tuk Sa reservoirs, An Giang Province, Vietnam. Using simulation models, we determined runoff volumes for specific rainfall return periods and climate scenarios for the 2030s and 2050s. Using the storm water management model (SWMM), we simulated the reservoir water balance considering rainfall, evaporation and infiltration. Our findings suggest potentially increased runoff and reservoir storage due to intensified monsoons and reduced off‐season rainfall. The 4.77 km2 drainage of the O Ta Soc reservoir could benefit from this, while the 2.55 km2 drainage of the O Tuk Sa watershed may require alternative water‐sourcing strategies. This research offers insights for drought predictions, flood management and water strategies in An Giang. To refine these predictions, future research should consider upcoming rainfall patterns.

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam

Research on science, technology and innovation policy (STI policy) in Vietnam has mainly focused on the role of government and business—the two main groups of social actors shaping the development of the Government. From the cultural perspective of STI policy, the article analyses the interactions between four policy cultures representing four groups of social actors (academic, state, business and civil society) that affect the formation and development of STI policy in Vietnam through four stages of development. From there, the article provides a general picture of the role of four groups of policy actors involved in the policymaking process, considering aspects including: (a) the nature of the policy; (b) policy objectives; (c) policy makers; (d) policy instruments; (e) policy specificity and (f) group of agents representing policy culture. Next, the article analyses the formation and development of an innovation-based startup ecosystem that represents the concerns of a third policy culture—an economic policy culture. Finally, the article proposes some initial recommendations to promote the interaction between the components of the STI ecosystem, especially those related to the innovation-based startup ecosystem.

Theorising Foreign Policy and IR in Vietnam: A Case for a Non-Western IRT?

The article is devoted to revealing some of the key concepts pertaining to International Relations Theories (IRT) suggested by the leading Vietnamese scholars at present. While claiming no comprehensiveness with regard to the coverage, the paper unveils some of the circumstances that served as a background for the evolution of International Relations (IR) as a discipline in Vietnam with a specific focus on the indigenous school(s) of thought. In particular, a Vietnamese conceptualisation of the middle power theory is of interest, being relevant not only in terms of advancing the methodological constructs but also for formulating – even if indirectly – Vietnam’s foreign policy in practice. On the whole, noteworthy is the creative adaptation of Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts to the contemporary intricacies of international politics. Findings show that while some Vietnamese groundwork in IR theories is typical of non-Western scholarship on the whole, it manifests a certain degree of uniqueness in that it relies on a combination of Marxist-Leninist doctrines and Ho Chi Minh’s postulates with both characteristically Asian notions (e.g. “bamboo diplomacy”) and theoretical developments originating in the Global West (such as the concept of a “middle power”).

THE IMPACT OF BLENDED LEARNING APPROACHES ON THE QUALITY OF ENGLISH TRAINING AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL IN VIETNAM

This study investigated the impact of blended learning approaches on the quality of English training at Vietnamese universities, addressing a significant gap in understanding how blended learning is implemented in Vietnam's higher education context. The research aimed to explore implementation practices, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop recommendations for improving English language education through blended approaches. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 20 English lecturers from eight universities in Hanoi, supplemented by 10 classroom observations and document analysis of course syllabi, learning materials, and institutional policies. The findings revealed that while blended learning shows promise in enhancing English language education, its implementation faces significant challenges including inadequate technological infrastructure, limited professional development opportunities, and inconsistent institutional support. Successful practices were identified in areas of assessment integration and online content development. These findings have important implications for educational policy and practice in Vietnam, suggesting the need for systematic improvements in technological infrastructure, professional development programs, and institutional support systems. The research provides valuable guidance for universities seeking to enhance their blended learning programs and contributes to the broader understanding of implementing blended learning in developing country contexts.

Environmental Education in Vietnam

This article utilizes critical discourse analysis to investigate the environmental education (EE) policy in Vietnam by analyzing seven policy documents. It examines the language used in the policy papers and underlying factors that shape the policy, including power relations, ideologies, and sociopolitical influences. The findings reveal a lack of shared understanding of EE and the neglect of its social aspect, leading to limited integration of EE content in national curricula and the prevalence of performative language within the policy. This undervaluation of EE can be attributed to the influence of Confucianism and the traditional education model inherited from the former Soviet Union. It also suggests that the present policy predominantly reflects the ideologies and priorities of the ruling class, who prioritizes economic growth over sustainability. This study underscores the need for a nuanced approach in policymaking that integrates sociocultural dimensions and addresses the performative gap in environmental education, paving the way for more effective and context-sensitive strategies in Vietnam’s response to educational challenges posed by climate change.

Tourism policy in Vietnam: an evaluation using the difference-in-differences model

ABSTRACT Today Vietnam is well-known not only for its long history but also its rich culture and magnificent natural environment. Vietnam is a developing socialist-oriented market economy, which heavily depends on agriculture, the export of raw materials, foreign direct investment, and tourism. In particular, the opening of the Vietnamese economy and a complete overhaul of the government’s economic policy have played a significant role in the growth of the tourist economy over the past ten years. Recognizing the outstanding contribution of tourism to the national economy, the government decided to boost the tourism industry and as a first launched Tourism policy 2017. Developed from modernization theory and policy implementation theory, this study aims to measure how successful this policy was using the difference-in-difference estimation with two observed periods: 2014–2016 and 2017–2019. This model has never been applied to the tourism sector before. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of the tourism policy is not found. The factors driving the growth of tourism revenue are the trained workforce and a dynamic environment with the participation of a large number of businesses per year. Firstly, this stage (2017–2019) could be seen as the time for the policy to reach out to localities, thus it has not been effective. Secondly, this policy was not yet powerful enough to promote breakthrough growth in comparison with the previous period. Lastly, the policy for tourism development was lack of information, funds, processes, in order for the parties involved in tourism activities could access. Based on these findings, some recommendations are made. The findings may serve as a value reference for policymakers in Vietnam and other nations.

Global Minimum Tax Implementation: Vietnam's Policy Recommendations

Applying the global minimum tax rule creates an equal tax competition environment among countries today and limits the phenomena of tax evasion, tax avoidance, transfer pricing, and profit transfer. That is inevitable in the current integration and globalization environment. According to the plan, the application of the global minimum tax rule will start from January 1, 2024 in Vietnam. On the basis of legal analysis methods, statistical methods and practical law assessment from secondary document information, the views of experts analyzing the current situation of corporate income tax policy in Vietnam. in the south, preferential policies to attract investment, opportunities and challenges when applying the global minimum tax rule and the impact on the development and improvement of tax policies for foreign investors to ensure goals of attracting investment and sustainable development. The article discusses and analyzes the various challenges that countries are facing when imposing a global minimum tax. on the following aspects: (i) neutralization of tax incentive policies; (ii) the taxing rights of the investing country; (iii) competitiveness in attracting investment; (iv) recommend solutions for the Vietnamese government in law-making and effective enforcement in the coming time. This study using normative juridical, qualitative research methods on the basis of secondary literature information has analyzed the anticipated impact of the global minimum tax policy on Vietnam and the trend of building and perfecting legal policies, human, political, infrastructure, etc. tax and plan to gradually reform and internalize international commitments in the tax field in Vietnam.

Exploring the feasibility of introducing triple artemisinin-based combination therapy in the malaria treatment policy in Vietnam

BackgroundThis study investigates the processes regarding changing malaria treatment policies in Vietnam. Moreover, it explores the feasibility of introducing triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT) in Vietnam to support the national malaria control and elimination plan.MethodsData were collected via 12 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, combined with a review of policy documents.ResultsTACT is considered as a useful backup strategy in case future treatment failures with current artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) would occur. Moreover, TACT is also considered as a promising strategy to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. However, regulatory procedures and implementation timelines for TACT were expected to be lengthy. Therefore, strategies to engage national decision-makers, regulators, and suppliers should be initiated soon, stipulating the benefits of TACT deployment. In Vietnam, a procedure to apply for an import permit without registration that has previously been applied to the introduction of artesunate-pyronaridine was proposed to accelerate the introduction of TACT. Global-level support through the World Health Organization recommendations and prequalification were considered critical for supporting the introduction of TACT in Vietnam.ConclusionsAppropriate approach strategies and early stakeholder engagement will be needed to accelerate the introduction of TACT in Vietnam.

Attitude of Workers in the Informal Sector towards the Voluntary Social Insurance Policy in Vietnam

Using two appropriate scientific research methods: methodology and investigation method, the author has clarified the set goals. First, using the methodology, the author has built a theoretical basis on Social Insurance, voluntary social insurance, and models of consumer attitudes. The theoretical basis is the basis for the analysis in this study. After building a theoretical basis, the author conducts a practical assessment of employees' attitudes toward voluntary social insurance through the survey method. Data from the survey method has shown that employees believe that participating in Voluntary Social Insurance is not necessary, do not believe in the benefits that Voluntary Social Insurance policies bring, and choose other forms of accumulation. To solve problems and change workers' attitudes, the author has proposed solutions such as: Learning the approach of life insurance; Always enthusiastically guiding employees on procedures, policies, or questions about employee rights; Partially investing in contract documents given to employees when they participate in Voluntary Social Insurance as a commitment to prestige and quality.

Promoting Respectful Maternity Care by Reducing Unnecessary Episiotomies: Experiences from Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding in Vietnam.

(1) Background: Routine episiotomy is not recommended by international guidelines; however, it occurs at a high rate in Vietnam. (2) Methods: A process to reduce unnecessary episiotomies was developed and implemented as part of the Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding initiative, which aims to deliver high-quality breastfeeding and early essential newborn care services within a supportive policy environment. The aim of this project report is to outline the steps undertaken to reduce episiotomies, the experience in pilot hospitals, and the process towards changing policy. (3) Results: During the 14 months following the change in episiotomy policy, pilot hospital records showed no infant death or injury. Monthly monitoring data from four pilot hospitals showed that the prevalence of episiotomy was substantially lower than the average in national hospitals in Vietnam. Facilitators to reducing the episiotomy rate include the incentive of Centers of Excellence for Breastfeeding designation and supportive hospital leadership. Challenges include the ambiguity of Vietnam's national guideline on episiotomy and lack of routine monitoring on the episiotomy rate and indications. (4) Discussion: Our experience suggests that through training and routine monitoring hospitals can apply a policy of selective episiotomy and reduce the practice, particularly among multiparous women, and improve breastfeeding rates.(5) Conclusions: Sharing our experience of implementing this process and offering four areas for action will hopefully contribute to expanded use of mother-friendly, evidence-based care as policy and routine practice in Vietnam and similar settings.

Nghiên cứu tác động của chỉ số điều kiện tài chính tới lạm phát ở Việt Nam

This paper investigates the impact of the financial condition index on inflation in Vietnam by using the Autoregressive- Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) combined with a time series dataset from January 2013 to December 2022. Research results show that loosening financial conditions will put pressure on inflation in the short term but not in the long term. In addition, the oil price and M2 money supply also have a positive impact on Vietnam’s inflation. On that basis, this paper also proposes policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in Vietnam

Why do consumers choose private over public health services? Reflective accounts of health providers in Vietnam

BackgroundIn Vietnam and many developing countries, private healthcare is increasingly being leveraged by governments to complement public services and increase health service access and utilisation. Extensive understanding of patterns of utilisation of private over public health services, and the rationale for such consumer decisions, is important to ensure and promote safe, affordable and patient-centred care in the two sectors. Few studies within the Southeast Asian Region have explored how private and public providers interact (via social networks, marketing, and direct contact) with consumers to affect their service choices. This study investigates providers’ views on social factors associated with the use of private over public health services in Vietnam.MethodA thematic analysis was undertaken of 30 semi-structured interviews with experienced health system stakeholders from the Vietnam national assembly, government ministries, private health associations, health economic association, as well as public and private hospitals and clinics.ResultsMultiple social factors were found to influence the choice of private over public services, including word-of-mouth, the patient-doctor relationship and relationships between healthcare providers, healthcare staff attitudes and behaviour, and marketing. While private providers maximise their use of these social factors, most public providers seem to ignore or show only limited interest in using marketing and other forms of social interaction to improve services to meet patients’ needs, especially those needs beyond strictly medical intervention. However, private providers faced their own particular challenges related to over-advertisement, over-servicing, excessive focus on patients’ demands rather than medical needs, as well as the significant technical requirements for quality and safety.ConclusionsThis study has important implications for policy and practice in Vietnam. First, public providers must embrace social interaction with consumers as an effective strategy to improve their service quality. Second, appropriate regulations of private providers are required to protect patients from unnecessary treatments, costs and potential harm. Finally, the insights from this study have direct relevance to many developing countries facing a similar challenge of appropriately managing the growth of the private health sector.

Water value, irrigation policy, and implementation hazards in Vietnam’s rural economy

Water value, irrigation policy, and implementation hazards in Vietnam’s rural economy

The Relationship of Fiscal Policy and Economic Cycle: Is Vietnam Different?

Fiscal policy is one of the most crucial areas of government economic policy, and it has the potential to influence the economic growth of any nation. According to traditional Keynesian and Ricardian theories, fiscal policy should not be pro-cyclical, and counter-cyclical fiscal policy is the most effective alternative. Furthermore, the periodicity of fiscal policy is also heavily influenced by the quality of political institutions and democracies. Thus, this paper examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic cycle in Vietnam, a developing economy with dramatic change since 2000. The results support the causal relationship between the set of fiscal policy factors, such as public debt, government tax revenues, and government expenditures, by analyzing quarterly data over a twenty-year period beginning in 2000 by using the Vector Error-Correction Model (VECM). Therefore, the adaptation of fiscal policy to the phases of the economic cycle and the effective deployment of fiscal policy tools help the sustainability of public finances and stimulate economic growth.

The bank lending channel of monetary policy transmission in Vietnam: Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial crisis

This paper aims to analyze changes in the transmission of monetary policy via bank lending when considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial crisis. Using bank-level data of 31 commercial banks in Vietnam from 2007 to 2021, we provide consistent evidence that the impact of monetary policy on bank lending tends to be more pronounced in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, we document that the bank’s loan supply is more sensitive to monetary policy adjustments during the global financial crisis. Thus, a general pattern can be detected, i.e. the monetary policy transmission through the bank lending channel is stronger under unfavorable macro contexts in Vietnam. Accordingly, it can be suggested that adjustments in the monetary policy of the central bank have still been effective in periods of macro difficulty and the implementation of unconventional monetary policy in Vietnam is not necessary yet. Regression results when using the sample-splitting technique are consistent with those using interactive variables, providing evidence to confirm the robustness of the findings obtained in the study.

Estimating the health impacts of sugar-sweetened beverage tax for informing policy decisions about the obesity burden in Vietnam.

Taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been adopted in more than 40 countries but remained under discussion in Vietnam. This study aimed to estimate the health impacts of different SSBs tax plans currently under discussion to provide an evidence base to inform decision-making about a SSBs tax policy in Vietnam. Five tax scenarios were modelled, representing three levels of price increase: 5%, 11% and 19-20%. Scenarios of the highest price increase were assessed across three different tax designs: ad valorem, volume-based specific tax & sugar-based specific tax. We modelled SSBs consumption in each tax scenario; how this reduction in consumption translates to a reduction in total energy intake and how this relationship in turn translates to an average change in body weight and obesity status among adults by applying the calorie-to weight conversion factor. Changes in type 2 diabetes burden were then calculated based on the change in average BMI of the modelled cohort. A Monte Carlo simulation approach was applied on the conversion factor of weight change and diabetes risk reduction for the sensitivity analysis. We found that the taxation that involved a 5% price increase gave relatively small impacts while increasing SSBs' price up to 20% appeared to impact substantially on overweight and obesity rates (reduction of 12.7% and 12.4% respectively) saving 27 million USD for direct medical cost. The greatest reduction was observed for overweight and obesity class I. The decline in overweight and obesity rates was slightly higher for women than men. This study supports the SSB tax policy in pursuit of public health benefits, especially where the tax increase involves around a 20% price increase. The health benefit and revenue gains were evident across all three tax designs with the specific tax based on sugar density achieving greatest effects.