Diseases spreading due to vaccine shortage: Ministry

August 29, 2016 - 16:30

Cases of diphtheria, whooping cough, measles and Japanese encephalitis still occur in several poor and remote localities and areas with ethnic minorities because residents did not receive the vaccination.

Medical workers spray substances to prevent diphtheria at a hospital. – VNA/VNS Photo
Viet Nam News

HÀ NỘI — Cases of diphtheria, whooping cough, measles and Japanese encephalitis still occur in several poor and remote localities and areas with ethnic minorities because residents did not receive the vaccination.

This information was revealed on Monday by the Ministry of Health, which has sent out a document asking the people’s committees of the provinces and cities to ensure better management of the vaccination programme.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyễn Thanh Long said the provinces and cities should identify all the people in their areas who need to be vaccinated and remind them to get their injections.

Provinces and cities should educate the residents on the importance of the vaccination.

Every year, the health sector must prepare a detailed plan on the vaccination programme and submit it to the local people’s committee to ensure funds are provided, especially for maintenance and transportation of the vaccines.

Localities should set up inspection teams to check and provide timely guidance to the vaccination programme. The inspection should focus on areas with a high risk of disease and a low rate of people that have already been vaccinated.

During the past few years, some vaccination programmes have achieved significant success, including eliminating paralysis in 2000 and newborn tetanus in 2005. — VNS 

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