Vietnam Reports Nearly 40,000 Suspected Measles Cases; PM Orders Urgent Vaccination Campaign

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has recorded nearly 40,000 suspected measles cases and five measles-related deaths since the beginning of this year, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH). The ministry anticipates that the number of cases will continue to rise nationwide.

High-risk areas, including mountainous provinces with limited healthcare access and localities with low vaccination rates, are most vulnerable to outbreaks.

To address the issue, the MoH held a national conference on measles prevention and control on Saturday. The hybrid event connected the ministry with relevant health units nationwide to discuss strategies for curbing the epidemic.

Complicated Situation

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan stated at the conference that climate change and seasonal variations have contributed to the worsening epidemic situation. She urged local authorities to closely monitor developments and provide timely reports. Furthermore, she emphasized the need for collaboration across all sectors, not just the healthcare sector, to combat the outbreak.

Additionally, she called for adequate medical supplies, facilities, and equipment, particularly in high-risk areas.

Hoàng Minh Đức, Director of the Department of Disease Prevention under the MoH, reported that the southern region accounted for the highest number of cases (57%), followed by the Central region (19.2%), the North (15.1%), and the Central Highlands (8.7%).

Provinces with increasing cases include Cao Bằng (582), Nghệ An (737), Quảng Nam (499), Đà Nẵng (2,043), Khánh Hoà (1,661), Đắk Lắk (621), Gia Lai (1,879), Kon Tum (624), Đồng Tháp (1,202), An Giang (1,046), and Lâm Đồng (476).

Children aged nine months to under 15 years constitute the majority of suspected cases (72.7%), while children under nine months old account for 15.3%.

PM’s Directive

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has issued Official Dispatch No. 23/CĐ-TTg, urging an acceleration of measles vaccination efforts.

The directive instructs the Minister of Health to support local authorities in executing a nationwide measles vaccination campaign, to be completed by the end of the month. The health sector must ensure an adequate supply of vaccines and their timely distribution.

The MoH has also mandated strict hospital protocols for treating measles cases and coordination with the Ministry of Finance to secure necessary funding for vaccination efforts.

Local governments must assess the measles situation and implement plans in line with the MoH’s guidance. Expanded immunization programs and catch-up vaccinations for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are to be prioritized.

Authorities are also tasked with intensifying public awareness campaigns, particularly in remote and ethnic minority areas, to promote proactive measles prevention and control.

The Ministry of Education and Training has been directed to enforce preventive measures in schools, ensuring health supervision, timely quarantine, and vaccination advocacy for students.

The media will play a critical role in disseminating accurate and timely information about the epidemic.

Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long has been assigned to oversee the implementation of the directive, addressing issues within his jurisdiction and reporting unresolved matters to the Prime Minister.

The Government Office will collaborate with the MoH to execute the directive and promptly report any challenges encountered during implementation.