WHO, UNICEF commend Viet Nam’s measles prevention efforts

In a Joint Statement which was released by the two UN organizations yesterday, WHO and UNICEF said that following the Prime Minister's new directive on vaccination and infection and control measures, and with leadership from Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, efforts will now include expanding vaccination to other provinces and strengthening vaccine supply, not only for routine vaccination but also for outbreak response and preventive mass campaigns, which are critical steps towards measles elimination.

The national online conference on March 15, chaired by Minister Dao Hong Lan, also demonstrates the Government's strong commitment to addressing this public health challenge.

Latest data indicates that the measles outbreak in Viet Nam is still very much ongoing, and we are seeing continued surges in cases in central and northern Viet Nam – including new outbreaks in parts of the country that have not reported cases or clusters of cases before. Due to the highly contagious nature of measles and the significant immunity gaps, many un- or under-vaccinated children are exposed to infection.

National vaccination campaign must reach all susceptible children

With fatal cases already reported and anticipated surges in measles cases in remote areas, it is critical to implement a national vaccination campaign reaching all susceptible children as soon as possible.

It is also essential to ensure hospitals and healthcare facilities have sufficient supplies of treatment products (including Vitamin A) to ensure the recovery of sick children, especially in remote and disadvantaged areas.

In addition, both WHO and UNICEF encourage healthcare facilities to implement appropriate clinical management and infection prevention and control measures to reduce severity of illness for those who do become infected and protect the most vulnerable children.

Immunization is the best way to prevent measles and given the scale of the outbreak it is essential to speed-up and expand the eligible age group and locations for vaccination. Engaging non-health sectors is also crucial in identifying un-or under-vaccinated children and mobilizing parents to bring their children to healthcare facilities for vaccination.

Minister Dao Hong Lan's call for prioritizing resources, enhancing communication, and mobilizing communities to speed up vaccination for outbreak response and to ensure full vaccination coverage is vital.

WHO and UNICEF stand ready to continue our support to Viet Nam in its endeavours to bring the current outbreak under control and prevent further spread of measles.

This includes developing a measles elimination strategy, a clear plan for reaching those currently unreached with vaccination, communication for the measles campaign, and strengthening systems for vaccine supply, procurement, and distribution of vaccines, including the cold chain system.

"Together, we can protect the health and well-being of children and communities across Viet Nam," they said./.