HANOI - The battle against measles in Vietnam has intensified with alarming statistics revealing nearly 40,000 suspected cases since the beginning of 2025, accompanied by five tragic fatalities linked to the disease.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is predicting that this number could escalate even further, raising concerns for public health across the nation.

The hardest-hit areas are primarily mountainous regions where various ethnic communities reside, often facing considerable barriers to health services. Additionally, regions with low vaccination coverage are particularly vulnerable to measles outbreaks.

In response to this crisis, the Ministry of Health convened a national conference focused on measles prevention and control on March 15, bringing together health officials and stakeholders from all over the country, both in person and online.

This collaborative effort emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated response to the growing health threat.

What's Behind the Outbreak?

Health Minister Dao Hong Lan highlighted that environmental factors such as climate change are contributing to the rising complexity and unpredictability of the measles epidemic.

She emphasized the need for local authorities to closely monitor the situation and ensure timely reporting of suspected cases.

The MOH urges active involvement from all sectors of society, not just health agencies, in combating this outbreak.

The data shared by Mr. Hoang Minh Duc, director of the Department of Disease Prevention, indicates that the southern region bears the brunt of infections, accounting for 57% of all cases.

The Central region follows with 19.2%, while the northern provinces report 15.1%, and the Central Highlands only 8.7%.

Particularly alarming figures come from several provinces: Cao Bang (582 cases), Nghe An (737), Quang Nam (499), and Da Nang (2,043) among others, indicating widespread community transmission.

Children aged between nine months and 15 years represent the majority of suspected cases at a staggering rate of 72.7%.

This demographic is especially at risk due to inadequate vaccination rates, with some provinces reporting vaccinations as low as 40%.

Prime Minister's Directive for Vaccination Boost

In a decisive move, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued Official Dispatch No 23, calling for an immediate acceleration of measles vaccination efforts.

He has tasked the Minister of Health with spearheading initiatives to ensure a robust vaccination campaign, demanding completion by the end of the month.

The MOH is responsible for the equitable distribution of measles vaccines, ensuring that local medical facilities are prepared for the influx of cases and capable of treating patients swiftly.

They must also collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to secure necessary funding for these critical vaccination efforts.

Localities are urged to evaluate their current measles situation meticulously and devise strategies aligned with the MOH's directives.

Enhanced immunization programs must be promoted to guarantee that holistic vaccination catches up with the unvaccinated population.

Community Engagement is Key!

Moreover, engaging the community is pivotal.

Authorities are required to strengthen educational outreach, especially in remote areas, to create awareness and encourage preventive measures.

Schools are also expected to play a critical role by monitoring the health of students diligently and reporting any suspected cases to health authorities quickly.

Deputy PM Le Thanh Long will supervise the crisis response, ensuring that any challenges faced are reported directly to the Prime Minister so that appropriate actions can be taken swiftly.

As Vietnam grapples with this health scare, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated.

Will the government's plan be enough to curb this outbreak? Stay tuned to see how this situation unfolds!