Prime Minister of Vietnam requests strengthening of Measles prevention and control

Prime Minister of Vietnam requests strengthening of Measles prevention and control

Measles is an infectious disease that spreads through the respiratory tract and has previously resulted in large outbreaks; there is currently no specific treatment available. In recent months, Measles has shown a tendency to increase in several localities, with some areas having already declared Measles outbreaks.

To proactively control, prevent, and contain the spread of Measles outbreaks, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam requests Chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally managed cities to direct:

- Closely monitor the situation of the epidemic in their localities; regularly assess the risk of the disease; proactively monitor and detect cases early to thoroughly handle the outbreak, prevent epidemic spread and escalation; effectively receive, provide emergency care, and treat patients. Closely cooperate with neighboring localities, share, and update the epidemic situation and effectively implement Measles control measures;

- Urgently organize Measles vaccination for target groups as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, especially in areas at risk of Measles outbreaks or where the Measles vaccination rate is low; ensure no cases of incomplete Measles vaccination are missed;

- Propagate and encourage people to proactively implement Measles prevention and control measures and bring children in for timely and complete vaccination according to health sector guidelines; guide people exhibiting symptoms of the disease to immediately visit healthcare facilities for examination, consultation, and timely treatment;

- Ensure logistics, medicine, equipment, supplies, and chemicals serve the Measles prevention and control efforts; ensure vaccine availability when a Measles epidemic is declared.

- Intensify inspections and supervision of the implementation of epidemic prevention measures and strictly handle violations.

In addition, the Minister of Health of Vietnam is required to continue:

- Guide the implementation of Measles prevention and control measures, Measles vaccination campaigns, and early detection and thorough handling of outbreaks; properly organize the reception and treatment of patients to protect the health and lives of the patients;

- Direct healthcare facilities under the Ministry of Health to organize the reception and treatment according to guidelines from the Ministry;

- Organize training and capacity-building sessions in monitoring, diagnosing, and treating Measles.

More details can be found in Official Telegram 116/CD-TTg issued on November 14, 2024.

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