A recent article published in a foreign-based media outlet has included a propaganda poster conveying a controversial message as ”Covid-19 la bao ve chinh ban gia dinh va xa hoi” (Covid-19 is to protect yourself, your family, and community).

The distorted propaganda poster in question.

Following the article publication, many have interpreted the slogan as Vietnam does not act against the Covid-19 pandemic, but considers it as a positive means to protect individuals, families, and community.

In the article, the picture with the propaganda poster was noted as “A woman walks past a sign bearing Covid-19 prevention advice in Hanoi”. However, the picture itself seemed to have gained more attention from the readers than the slogan.

The origin propaganda poster.

A representative from Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports (the agency responsible for propaganda posters about Covid-19 prevention and control) has acknowledged the authenticity of the poster.

“Such posters are hung around Hanoi to raise public awareness about the pandemic. However, the words “Preventing and Controlling” have been removed from the picture in this article,” the representative told The Hanoi Times.

“The full message is: ‘Covid-19 Prevention and Control are to protect yourself, your family and community,” he added.

Two propaganda posters in comparision

Artist Nguyen Duy Thanh is the author of the propaganda poster in question, which has been selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) after a campaign calling for propaganda arts to aid the Covid-19 fight.

The organizer had received 103 submissions from 23 artists nationwide. “These artworks showcase creativity, dedication, and social responsibility of artists, who want to join hands in the overall efforts to combat this pandemic,” added the ministry.

The MoCST chose 14 from the lot and printed over 700,000 propaganda posters to be hung in every corner of the country to help the community better protect against the pandemic.

As of present, the total number of Covid-19 infections in Vietnam stands at over 13,200, including 64 deaths, putting the country in a group of handfuls with the lowest Covid-19 cases in the world.