Too soon to claim COVID-19 is like seasonal flu: WHO Representative

Dr Angela Pratt, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Vietnam, on May 8 said it was too soon to claim that COVID-19 is just seasonal flu despite similarities between the two viruses.
Too soon to claim COVID-19 is like seasonal flu: WHO Representative ảnh 1Vietnamese health experts and World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Vietnam, Dr Angela Pratt (right), at the press briefing held on Monday. (Photo: suckhoedoisong.vn)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Dr Angela Pratt, World Health Organisation(WHO) Representative in Vietnam, on May 8 said it was too soon to claim thatCOVID-19 is just seasonal flu despite similarities between the two viruses.

She was speaking at a press briefing organised by WHO incollaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, following WHO'sannouncement that COVID-19 is no longer a global public health emergency andrecommendations for future pandemic prevention and control work.

Pratt said: "I always carry a mask with me, which means thatCOVID-19 has not disappeared but is always present alongside us."

She also explained WHO's statement, which indicated that thecurrent COVID-19 adaptation level has improved and the severity of transmissionof the disease as well as the number of hospitalisations and severe caseshave decreased.

However, the WHO representative emphasised that this does not meanthat COVID-19 is no longer a threat or any less dangerous.

Asked if COVID-19 could be considered as seasonal flu, she saidthat although there are similarities, COVID-19 is not seasonal and hasappeared in many countries and regions at various times of the year.

Therefore, COVID-19 is still a relatively new disease, and peoplehave only had four years to deal with it, she said, adding that scientists arestill conducting research on the virus.

Pratt also commended Vietnam's COVID-19 response measures,particularly the country's ability to balance pandemic prevention and controlwhile promoting socio-economic development.

She stressed that this is not the time to relax as the number ofcases is still increasing and there are cases that require special care or evendeaths.

In spite of high herd immunity due to infections and vaccinations,people still need to be vigilant and take appropriate measures, she said.

In response to questions about recommendations for COVID-19prevention and control in Vietnam, Pratt suggested Vietnam maintain thenation's capacity and prepare for events that may occur in the future to avoidbeing overwhelmed.

Secondly, Vietnam should turn the COVID-19 vaccine into thenational vaccination programme as a lifelong vaccination. The country has avery good COVID-19 vaccination programme, and it should increase booster shots,especially for high-risk groups.

Thirdly, Vietnam needs to continue to strengthen the monitoringof respiratory diseases and report activities to WHO. It should focus ontargeted monitoring with any new variants and any changes in the transmissionrate and severity of cases.

Fourthly, Vietnam needs to always be prepared with vaccines,diagnostic and treatment equipment, and ensure long-term supply chains.

Fifthly, the country should continue disseminating information andmobilise the participation of community. Communication is still needed to helppeople understand and update on the disease.

Vietnam lifted all travel restrictions since last March. However,it needs to review and update the national response plan and re-establishpublic health and social measures based on the pandemic situation and riskassessment if needed.

Finally, she said, Vietnam must continue studying to improvevaccines and understand post-COVID-19 conditions./.
VNA

See more

Examining blood samples for rapid Malaria detection in the community at the Khanh Hoa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (Photo: Photo: VNA)

Malaria cases in Vietnam down 20% in 2024

According to Dr. Hoang Dinh Canh, Director of the Central Institute of Malaria, Parasitology, and Entomology, from 2014 to 2024, the number of malaria cases and deaths has gradually declined year on year, with a decrease of 97.76% from 15,752 cases to 353 cases per year.

Over 200 health professionals from the University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City (UMC) successfully perform organ procurement and transplantation on January 25. (Photo: VNA)

Brain-dead organ donor helps save four people

The surgeries marked significant milestones in organ donation counselling and advocacy efforts across southern localities, helping to expand the national organ donation network, spread a message of humanity, and offer hope and life-saving opportunities to many patients.

At the MoU signing ceremony between TAMRI and the University of Oxford. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Vietnam, UK step up medical research, training cooperation

Tam Anh Research Institute (TAMRI) under Tam Anh General Hospital Group has recently announced its Memorandum of Understanding on scientific research and medical training collaboration with the University of Oxford, marking the prestigious British institution’s first bilateral agreement with a Vietnamese research institute and hospital system.

Passengers conduct immigration procedures at Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Lang Son province. (Photo: VNA)

Heightened measures put in place at Tet holiday to counter infectious diseases

The Ministry of Health has sent a document to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities regarding the strengthening of infectious disease prevention and control during the Lunar New Year (Tet) and the 2025 festival season, given increases in contagious diseases, especially respiratory illnesses, around the world.

Representatives of ChungAng University Hospital (RoK) and Doosan Vina present medical supplies to General Hospital of Quang Ngai province (Photo: VNA)

RoK hospital provides medical checkups, equipment to Quang Ngai residents

A delegation from the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s ChungAng University Hospital on January 15 delivered free medical checkups, consultations, and medicines for nearly 1,000 residents of Nghia Ha, Tinh Long, and Tinh An communes of Quang Ngai city and patients at the General Hospital in the central province of Quang Ngai.

As many as 41 families agree to donate organs and tissues of brain-dead relatives in 2024. - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam makes strides in organ donation, transplantation

Dozens of organ and tissue donation advocacy groups have been established, with strong participation of both public and private healthcare facilities, helping to significantly lift the number of individuals registering for posthumous organ and tissue donation, heard a conference in Hanoi on January 7.