According to the MoH, infectious diseases remain complex globally, with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis, as well as dengue fever, malaria, and avian influenza A/H5N1, continuing in many countries.

Domestically, while the overall epidemic situation is under control, there has been a rise in measles cases among children aged 11-15 in certain provinces, alongside the detection of a human case of avian influenza A/H5N1. Endemic diseases like dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease have also shown signs of increase in some localities.

With hot, humid weather and increased travel during the upcoming holiday period and peak summer season, conditions are ripe for disease spread, said the MoH, asking localities nationwide to proactively implement preventive measures to ensure public health safety.

Local administrations were tasked with taking full responsibility for disease control, by enhancing vaccinations and ensuring no eligible individuals are missed. Funding must also be secured to support disease prevention activities, including measles vaccination campaigns as instructed by the Ministry.

Provincial health departments were urgently required to organise the third phase of the national measles vaccination campaign for 2025, completing the first dose by April 30 and the second by May 15. Flexible approaches such as home-based, school-based, and mobile vaccinations should be adopted to suit local conditions.

The national expanded immunisation programme must continue, along with catch-up and supplementary vaccinations, ensuring complete updates to the national immunisation database.

In addition, the MoH requested that localities develop contingency plans for disease outbreaks during the coming holiday period on April 30 and May 1, and throughout the summer travel season. Surveillance efforts must be intensified at border gates, in communities, and at healthcare facilities to swiftly detect and respond to suspected cases and contain outbreaks, particularly for high-risk diseases like rabies, avian influenza A/H5N1, dengue, hand-foot-mouth disease, measles, pertussis, and diphtheria.

Local health units were instructed to coordinate closely with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Pasteur Institutes to continuously analyse risks and recommend timely, effective prevention strategies.

Health Ministry plans third phase of measles vaccination campaign

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Health (MoH) has requested that the Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Pasteur Institutes plan the third phase of the measles vaccination campaign this year, focusing on high-risk areas.