Vietnam Urges Swift Action Against Rising Measles Cases

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The Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urgently called for an intensified effort to combat the increasing number of measles cases nationwide. With nearly 40,000 suspected cases and five reported measles-related deaths recorded this year, the government has underscored the urgency of completing a vaccination campaign by the end of the month.

 

The Health Minister has been tasked with ensuring adequate vaccine provision and timely distribution across local communities. The government is pressing local provinces and cities to evaluate their local measles status and devise strategic vaccination plans, particularly focusing on high-risk areas. Many mountainous and remote regions, which face accessibility challenges, are identified as potential outbreak zones due to low vaccination rates.

 

Schools have been instructed to implement preventive measures, monitoring student health and aiding quick interventions if cases arise. Meanwhile, the media plays a pivotal role in disseminating comprehensive updates and educating the public, crucially in remote and ethnically diverse regions.

 

 

 

At a recent national conference on measles prevention, Health Minister Dao Hong Lan highlighted the complexities introduced by climate change, emphasising the need for comprehensive cooperation across sectors.

 

The southern region has reported the highest measles cases. Provinces like Da Nang and Gia Lai, among others, are currently on high alert as they experience a spike in incidents. Alarmingly, data indicates many affected individuals are children under 15, reflecting a concerning gap in community immunity with vaccination rates hovering at only 40% in certain areas.

 

Minister Dao Hong Lan has urged for swift deployment of medical resources, especially in vulnerable regions, to prevent a further rise in cases. With the stakes high, Vietnam is moving urgently to bolster its defences against this escalating public health challenge, reported VN Express.

 

-- 2025-03-17