Ha Noi strengthens monkeypox surveillance and response
VGP - The Ha Noi Department of Health tasked the local Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to work with Noi Bai International Airport and relevant units to increase monkeypox surveillance and response.
Monkeypox disease - Illustration photo
Accordingly, the CDC is in charge of detecting suspected monkeypox cases at the airport and border gates, especially those returning from countries where the disease is currently spreading.
The center is responsible for coordinating with health centers in districts and Son Tay township to monitor gynecological and dermatological examination and treatment establishments, ARV and Methadone treatment facilities, aiming to promptly identify suspected or confirmed monkeypox cases, thus thoroughly handling them to prevent the disease from spreading to the community.
The Ha Noi CDC will collaborate with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases to collect samples for diagnostic testing for suspected cases; and proactively retrain and update health centers and related units on monitoring guidelines and skills for collecting samples for diagnostic testing of pathogens.
It has been instructed to provide accurate, comprehensive, and timely information to the media and relevant agencies, raise public awareness about monkeypox and prevention measures as recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, it is tasked with ensuring an adequate supply of materials, chemicals, and equipment for disease prevention and control, and staying ready to implement necessary measures and provide support to lower-level health units when required.
Relevant units have been demanded to proactively prepare medicines, equipment and personnel, and establish clear protocols for patient triage, intake, emergency care, and treatment to prevent cross-infection and minimize fatalities; and properly manage medical waste to prevent the spread of pathogens to the community.
Earlier, the Ministry of Health (MoH) requested increased monitoring to detect suspected monkeypox cases at border gates and proactive surveillance in healthcare facilities after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) amid the potential risk of disease spread on August 19.
On July15, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested ministries, sectors, and localities to strengthen measures to prevent and control diphtheria, given the occurrence of several infected cases and one death.
The Chairpersons of the People's Committees in provinces and centrally-run cities were required to encourage people to follow health recommendations from the sector, and guide people to go to healthcare facilities immediately if they show symptoms of the disease./.
