Official Telegram 116 on strengthening measures for Measles prevention and control in Vietnam

Official Telegram 116 on strengthening measures for Measles prevention and control in Vietnam (Image from the Internet)

On November 14, 2024, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued the Official Telegram 116/CD-TTg on strengthening measures for Measles prevention and control in Vietnam

Official Telegram 116 on strengthening measures for Measles prevention and control in Vietnam

Measles is a contagious disease spread through the respiratory tract and has experienced large outbreaks in the past; currently, there is no specific treatment. Recently, measles cases have been increasing in several localities, with some areas already declaring an outbreak. To proactively control and prevent measles from spreading widely, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam requests:

- The Minister of Health shall continue to:

+ Guide the implementation of measles prevention and control measures, measles vaccination campaigns, and early detection and thorough treatment of outbreaks; effectively organizing the reception and treatment of patients to protect health and lives;

+ Direct healthcare facilities under the Ministry of Health to organize reception and treatment according to the Ministry's guidelines.

+ Organize training and capacity-building in measles surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment.

- The Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam shall direct educational institutions to implement measles prevention measures according to health sector guidelines; monitor the health of children and students, and immediately inform healthcare facilities when a suspected case is detected for immediate isolation and treatment; encourage families to get their children fully and timely vaccinated.

- Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities shall direct:

+ Close monitoring of the epidemic situation in the area; regularly assessing the epidemic risk; proactively surveilling, early detecting measles cases to thoroughly handle outbreaks, preventing the spread and resurgence of epidemics; effectively organizing the reception, emergency care, and treatment of patients. Cooperating closely with neighboring localities to share and update information about measles and effectively implement measles control measures;

+ Urgently organizing measles vaccination for target groups according to the Ministry of Health's guidelines, especially in areas at risk of measles outbreak or where vaccination rates are low; ensuring no cases are left unvaccinated against measles;

+ Educating and mobilizing residents to proactively implement measles prevention measures and take children for full and timely vaccination according to health sector guidance; advising residents to visit healthcare facilities immediately for examination, consultation, and treatment when symptoms appear;

+ Ensuring sufficient supplies, medications, equipment, and materials for measles prevention and control; ensuring vaccine availability when a measles outbreak is declared.

+ Increasing inspection and supervision of the implementation of epidemic prevention and handling violations strictly.

- The Minister of Information and Communications, together with the General Directors of Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, and press agencies, are to intensify the dissemination of measles prevention measures; providing regular, complete, and accurate information about the epidemic situation; preventing and handling misinformation about measles.

- Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam Le Thanh Long is assigned to directly monitor and direct the implementation of this Official Telegram.

The Government Office, as assigned, will cooperate with the Ministry of Health to monitor and urge the ministries, relevant agencies, and localities in the implementation of this Official Telegram; promptly report to the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam any obstacles or difficulties encountered during implementation.

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