US institute lauds Vietnam’s elimination of lymphatic filariasis
Vietnam has got rid of lymphatic filariasis (LF) thanks to the Government’s drastic efforts and international support, stressed US RTI International - an independent and non-profit institute that provides research, development and technical services to government and commercial clients worldwide.
A girl in Lam Dong province contracting lymphatic filariasis (Photo: baolamdong.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has got rid of lymphatic filariasis (LF)thanks to the Government’s drastic efforts and international support, stressed USRTI International - an independent and non-profit institute that providesresearch, development and technical services to government and commercialclients worldwide.
“Vietnam joins a small number of countries in achieving validation of LFelimination”, the RTI said. Vietnam’s success is significant to otherdeveloping countries, which are struggling with elephantiasis, an infectiontransmitted to humans through mosquitoes that damages the body’s lymphaticsystem.
The commitments of the Vietnamese Government, the World Health Organisationsand the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to ending this tropicaldisease, together with GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s donations ofmedications, have been paid off.
The institute also spoke highly of the National Institute of Malariology,Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE)’s role, describing its coordination as akey factor in wiping out the disease.
A national programme to eliminate the LF was launched by the Ministry ofHealth’s NIMPE in 2001. Large-scale treatment campaign and survey were carriedout in six LF-endemic provinces during 2003-2008 to block its transmission.USAID has supported Vietnam’s effort since 2011.
Molly Brady, senior manager on RTI’s EVISON project funded by the USAID aimingat the control and elimination of seven neglected tropical diseases (NTDs),stressed that the Vietnamese Government deserves congratulations for achievingthis ambitious medical goal.
The country’s success is counted on collaboration of various sides, includingthe WHO, USAID and many other partners, she added.-VNA
The World Health Orgnisation (WHO) granted a decision to Cambodia recognising that the country had eliminated lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, as a public health problem.
Hanoi has reported 955 cases of dengue fever in 261 communes, wards and towns across its 30 districts from the outset of the year, a year-on-year decrease of 96.8 percent.
Vietnam now boasts a nationwide healthcare network with 1,665 hospitals, 384 of which are non-public, supported by local commune- and ward-level stations. At the end of 2024, hospital bed capacity reached 34 per 10,000 people, slightly above the global average.
The 56-year-old patient from Quang Tri province was discharged in stable condition as he no longer experienced shortness of breath and was able to walk, move around, and eat normally.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute, said that under the MoU, the two sides committed to promoting diverse and practical collaborative activities, including joint conferences and workshops, exchanges of scholars, researchers and students, sharing academic materials, and the development of specific programmes and projects in scientific research, training, and epidemic prevention.
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An estimated 7 million Vietnamese are currently living with diabetes, but about 50% remain undiagnosed, a dangerous gap that is fuelling serious, preventable complications and increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
In 2024, Vietnam achieved 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, up from 80% in 2023. Immunisation coverage in the country has not only rebounded to the high levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic but has now surpassed the rates recorded in 2019.
Health authorities in HCM City have issued an urgent alert after six people died from dengue fever, amid a spike in infections driven by the onset of the rainy season.
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The Hanoi ceremony highlighted efforts to ensure all citizens, especially women and youth, can access accurate information and healthcare services to make informed reproductive choices.
After such a long time, the law has revealed many limitations, prompting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to gather opinions to amend the law to give more chances to thousands of patients every year.
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The centre not only serves residents living on the island, but also receives tens of thousands of visitors every year, according to Assoc Prof Dr Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the HCM CIty Department of Health.
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Over the past six months, 150 communal health stations in provinces including Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Tay Ninh, Hau Giang, Ben Tre and Ca Mau have been equipped with information technology systems. In addition, 117 key provincial healthcare workers have received training, with thousands more expected to follow.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ministry of Health swiftly launched a telemedicine programme, connecting more than 1,000 medical establishments nationwide. The model, which remains in operation, has benefited tens of thousands of patients, including foreign nationals.
After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, the patient's pneumonia improved, breathing stabilised, sedation was reduced, and the breathing tube was removed. He is now conscious, able to eat orally, and in recovery.
A girl in Lam Dong province contracting lymphatic filariasis (Photo: baolamdong.vn) 
