Vietnam MoH Urges Pandemic Surveillance at Border Checkpoints amid Variants

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has urged localities to monitor and promptly detect respiratory transmission cases at border checkpoints due to the continuous changes in the new variants of SARS-CoV-2, according to the latest Directive from the ministry’s Department of Preventive Health on tightening disease prevention efforts during the Lunar New Year and the 2024 festive season.

The Ministry of Health said that the current global infectious disease situation, particularly those transmitted through respiratory routes, has remained complex as 10,000 deaths globally were attributed to COVID-19 in December 2023, with a 42% increase in hospitalizations compared to November 2023, and the evolving new variants of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide.

Vietnam faces increased risks with the northern region transitioning between winter and spring, leading to fluctuating weather and rising cases of infectious diseases, the ministry noted.

With the upcoming Lunar New Year and spring festivities, the ministry called for 2024 infectious disease prevention plans, emphasizing collaboration and vigilance, particularly among children and the elderly. Local health departments were directed to closely monitor disease trends, prioritize early detection, and uphold immunization programs.

(VTC, Vietnam Plus English, Kenh14, baodienbienphu.com.vn, Dai Bieu Nhan Dan, Health Ministry)