National immunisation programme reviewed
The immunisation programme which began 25 years ago has helped Vietnam build a vaccination network extending from central to grassroots levels, and inoculating 90 percent of children aged under 12-months.
A Health Ministry representative made the announcement at a conference in Hanoi on December 19 reviewing the results of the programme.
Fatalities of children under 5 years old have fallen considerably. Vietnam eradicated polio and tetanus in 2000 and 2005, respectively, and the country is moving towards wiping out measles.
Since 2006, there have been no whooping cough fatalities, and all healthcare staff holds qualifications in vaccination safety.
However, the programme still faces challenges, including a shortage of medical staff majoring in immunisation, inadequate vaccine supply in some localities, reduced funds and declining international aid, as well as poor public awareness of the importance of vaccination.
At the event, State President Truong Tan Sang said that the healthcare sector needs to devise a plan for domestic vaccine production, guarantee supply, and export vaccines.
At the same time, the sector must improve the quality of preventive medical care to meet national construction and defence demand, he added.