Health

WHO’s emergency botulism antitoxins arrive in Vietnam

Six vials of Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (BAT) sent from Switzerland by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as emergency aid arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on May 24 evening to treat patients poisoned with botulinum.
WHO’s emergency botulism antitoxins arrive in Vietnam ảnh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Six vials of BotulismAntitoxin Heptavalent (BAT) sent from Switzerland by the World Health Organisation(WHO) as emergency aid arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on May 24 evening to treatpatients poisoned with botulinum.

The Drug Administration of Vietnam under theMinistry of Health said botulism is a serious illness caused by clostridiumbotulinum, a poisonous substance in the bacteria found in badly preserved food.It rarely occurs around the world and in Vietnam.

As such, the supply of BAT is also limitedworldwide, the administration said, adding that the price of this antitoxin issky-high, and BAT is not listed among the medicines covered by the healthinsurance fund.

Since 2020, Vietnam has reported a few cases ofbotulism poisoning, with three recorded in HCM City most recently.

On May 23, the administration had a working sessionwith the WHO Office in Hanoi, asking for the organisation’s help with antitoxinsupply.

The Ministry of Health said the Prime Minister hasagreed with its proposal on building a mechanism to ensure the availability ofscarce drugs and those with limited supply./.
VNA
#Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent #World Health Organisation #Ho Chi Minh City #Drug Administration of Vietnam #Ministry of Health #Vietnam #VietnamPlus #Vietnam news
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