Prime Minister of Vietnam's request regarding strengthening the prevention and control of diphtheria

Prime Minister of Vietnam's request regarding strengthening the prevention and control of diphtheria (Image from the internet)

On July 13, 2024, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Official Telegram 68/CD-TTg regarding strengthening the prevention and control of diphtheria.

Prime Minister of Vietnam's request regarding strengthening the prevention and control of diphtheria

To be specific, diphtheria is a dangerous acute infectious disease that spreads through the respiratory tract and can lead to death. The disease is preventable by vaccine and treatable if detected promptly. Recently, several cases of the disease have been reported, with some resulting in death.

To proactively control, prevent, and stop the spread and outbreak of diphtheria, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam requests:

(1) The Minister of Health to direct and guide;

- Implement measures to prevent and control diphtheria; proactively monitor, detect, and handle outbreaks early; organize vaccination and treatment to best protect the health and lives of patients;

- Conduct training and capacity building for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating diphtheria.

(2) The Minister of Education and Training to direct educational institutions to implement disease prevention hygiene activities, ensure a ventilated and clean environment; monitor the health of children and students, and immediately notify healthcare facilities when detecting suspected cases for isolation and prompt handling.

(3) Chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government to direct:

- Promote and mobilize people to carry out diphtheria prevention measures as recommended by the Health sector; guide people to immediately visit healthcare facilities when symptoms appear for examination, consultation, and prompt treatment;

- Organize diphtheria vaccination for target groups as guided by the Ministry of Health, especially in areas where the disease is circulating or where vaccination rates are low;

- Closely monitor disease situations in the area; proactively identify and promptly detect cases of disease or suspected cases to thoroughly handle outbreaks and treat promptly; ensure good patient intake, emergency, and treatment services;

- Ensure the availability of logistics, medicines, vaccines, equipment, and chemicals to serve diphtheria prevention measures according to the principle of 04 on-the-spot;

- Strengthen inspection and supervision of diphtheria prevention measures and strictly handle violations.

(4) The Minister of Information and Communications, the General Director of Vietnam Television, the Director General of the Voice of Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency, and other media agencies to strengthen propaganda on diphtheria prevention measures; provide complete and honest information on the disease situation.

More details can be found in Official Telegram 68/CD-TTg issued on July 13, 2024.

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