WHO supports rapid delivery of critical botulism antitoxin to Da Nang
VGP - The World Health Organization (WHO) delivered five vials of urgently needed botulism antitoxin to Da Nang to support three critically ill patients affected by suspected botulism.
Botulism antitoxin is a rare, critical medicine that can prevent the toxin from causing further harm and significantly improve the chances of recovery when administered promptly.
Upon receiving the alert from national health authorities, WHO mobilized rapidly across all three levels of the Organization — country office, regional office, and headquarters — to identify available supplies from the global stockpile in Geneva and arrange immediate transport to Viet Nam.
WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health, local health authorities, and airport and logistics partners to ensure the vials reached Da Nang as quickly and as safely as possible.
"We extend our deepest concern to the affected patients and their families, and our appreciation to the dedicated medical teams providing round-the-clock intensive care. They are all in our thoughts as we hope for the patients' swift and full recovery," said Dr Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Viet Nam.
"This rapid deployment shows the importance of strong partnerships and preparedness. WHO will continue to stand with Viet Nam to strengthen rapid response capacity for future health emergencies, while working with the Ministry of Health and partners to further reinforce preparedness, readiness, and overall health security," said the WHO Representative.
WHO also expressed gratitude to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) for its continued partnership and support to health emergency operations in the Western Pacific./.
