To address the shortage of PPE in the United States, USAID LinkSME, in close coordination with Government of Vietnam counterparts and business support organizations, is working with the private sector in Vietnam to address gaps in the PPE supply chain. On April 18, USAID LinkSME facilitated air cargo shipments of 810,000 health care worker isolation gowns produced by a Vietnamese manufacturer. USAID LinkSME is supporting follow-on orders and assessing input sources for manufacturers.

So What? Connecting Vietnam’s PPE product suppliers to distributors in the United States will help save the lives of health care workers on the front lines and the patients they serve. It also promotes private sector-led growth in Vietnam and advances the Indo-Pacific vision of improved trade and competitiveness.