Health

Vietnam strengthens cooperation in measles prevention with int'l partners

Vietnam wishes to receive continued international support, particularly in vaccine provision. It is ready to handle potential outbreaks and also plans to roll out further immunisation campaigns.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long speaks at the meeting. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long speaks at the meeting. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long had a meeting with WHO Vietnam Representative Angela Pratt and UNICEF Vietnam Representative Silvia Danilov in Hanoi on March 13 to discuss collaboration in preventing diseases, particularly measles.

The international health officials said gaps in Vietnam’s measles immunisation coverage in certain regions has promoted the need to accelerate vaccination efforts, expand eligible age groups, and ensure no one is left unvaccinated. They also underscored the importance of stockpiling medical supplies, securing adequate drug reserves, and preventing cross-infection in healthcare facilities.

Danilov called for greater engagement from all levels of authorities, sectors, and civil society in the fight against measles. She also urged Vietnam to reform and enhance its procurement system to guarantee sufficient medical supplies and vaccines.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting Vietnam in these efforts, she affirmed.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said that the ministry is ensuring an adequate supply of measles vaccines for the national expanded immunisation programme, while planning to hold an online conference with local authorities to reinforce the country’s disease prevention.

Appreciating international organisations' cooperation, Deputy PM Long expressed Vietnam’s wish for continued international support, particularly in vaccine provision, and announced the country’s readiness to handle potential outbreaks and plans to roll out further immunisation campaigns.

He urged the Ministry of Health to work more closely with WHO and UNICEF to help refine Vietnam’s policies on healthcare, particularly disease prevention.

According to the ministry, measles vaccine coverage has fallen below the recommended level in recent years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2024, an estimated 1.4 million children in the targeted age group of the expanded immunisation programme have either missed or only partially completed their routine measles vaccinations. To date, catch-up vaccination efforts have reached approximately 70%, about 900,000, of the children./.

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