The ministry noted that the global situation of infectious diseases remains complex, with many diseases, including dengue fever, measles, and whooping cough, seeing increases in the numbers of infections in several countries. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected vaccination rates for children worldwide and in Vietnam.
It said that it issued the 2024 disease prevention and control plan, along with documents regarding the implementation of disease prevention and control measures. It has also been closely monitoring both international and domestic disease situations while proactively directing the implementation of preventive measures such as surveillance, early detection of cases, management, treatment, and emergency care for patients; and encouraging sufficient vaccination.
In addition, the ministry has coordinated with other ministries, agencies, and the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to drastically carry out various prevention and control measures, and enhance surveillance and conduct sample testing in order to early detect cases and outbreaks in communities and healthcare facilities.
The ministry has directed local health authorities to promote regular vaccination for individuals covered by the Expanded Program on Immunization to ensure safety and effectiveness, and review and organize catch-up and supplementary vaccinations. It has also encouraged families to ensure their children receive complete and timely vaccinations, and promoted immunization for pregnant women.
Localities were required to organize activities to prevent and control epidemics, especially dengue fever, and campaigns to kill mosquito larvae by spraying chemicals in risky areas.
It is also necessary to implement preventive measures in educational institutions, especially kindergartens, preschools, and nurseries; effectively carry out school communications on disease prevention and control, and vaccination; and improve school health work to early detect and promptly handle suspected cases, the ministry stressed.
Source: VNA