Official announcement of trachoma eradication in Vietnam

The report of the Central Eye Hospital stated that, according to international assessment criteria, at the 75th session of the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region held in the Philippines on October 21, 2024 , the World Health Organization officially recognized and honored Vietnam for its successful trachoma eradication. This is an important milestone for Vietnam in general and the health sector in particular, after more than 7 decades of striving and determination to prevent trachoma.

In Vietnam, many decades ago, the Ministry of Health directed the drastic implementation of the SAFE Strategy recommended by the World Health Organization, including: Surgery, Antibiotics, Face Washing and Environmental Improvement.

With the synchronous participation of all levels and sectors and effective support from international organizations, this strategy has been implemented methodically, in accordance with actual conditions in Vietnam.

The implementation process has gone through many stages of survey, investigation, and intervention in disease-endemic areas, with the active participation of the medical network from central to local levels.

In particular, the continuous impact surveys and monitoring conducted during the period from 1995-2023 have created a solid scientific and practical basis for confirming the elimination of trachoma in Vietnam according to the strict standards and criteria of the World Health Organization, including: the incidence of trachoma (TT) unknown to the health system is <0.2% in people ≥15 years old; the incidence of active trachoma (TF) is <5% in children aged 1-9 in each district where the disease was previously endemic; evidence that the health system can continue to identify and manage cases of trachoma (TT).

The journey to eliminate trachoma in Vietnam has spanned many decades, bringing valuable experiences and lessons on close coordination between all levels and sectors in implementing eye disease prevention and control programs in the community; promoting the values ​​of solidarity and unity of generations of ophthalmology staff in the work of preventing blindness; persistently researching and applying advanced ophthalmology technology in examination, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases; mobilizing social resources and enlisting the help of international friends and colleagues in the work of preventing blindness in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan spoke at the announcement ceremony.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan affirmed that this success is a clear demonstration of the persistent efforts, consensus and great determination of the entire health sector, of the team of ophthalmologists in particular and of the entire political system, local authorities and the community in general.

In particular, as a professional focal point, the Central Eye Hospital has made many efforts in the process of implementing the program to control and eliminate trachoma in Vietnam, from monitoring, training, professional guidance, to data collection, management and close coordination with localities.

The Ministry of Health leaders noted that eliminating trachoma does not mean that we are allowed to be subjective or negligent. Instead, the task in the coming time is to continue to sustainably maintain the achievements that have been made, through: strengthening the work of monitoring, detecting and managing cases in the community; continuing to raise people's awareness of personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and trachoma prevention and control; ensuring resources and financial mechanisms for prevention activities, including payment for entropion surgery through health insurance in accordance with current regulations.

This content has also been institutionalized in the policies of the Government and the Ministry of Health, such as Decision No. 2560/QD-TTg dated December 31, 2016 of the Prime Minister on the National Strategy for Blindness Prevention to 2020 and Vision to 2030; Decision No. 5669/QD-BYT dated December 12, 2021 of the Minister of Health on Guidelines for improving eye care capacity at district-level health facilities; and regulations on the list, technical procedures and health insurance payment for entropion surgery.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Vietnam Ophthalmological Association presented flowers to express gratitude to domestic individuals and representatives of international organizations who have made many contributions to the successful elimination of trachoma in Vietnam.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan also thanked the World Health Organization and international organizations in Vietnam for accompanying and providing technical and financial support throughout the program implementation process; thanked local leaders across the country, especially remote provinces, for their drastic efforts in trachoma prevention...

At the same time, Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan acknowledged and praised the important contributions of the Central Eye Hospital and the entire Vietnamese eye sector, who have been tirelessly dedicating themselves to the cause of caring for and protecting people's health.

Today's success is a source of pride for the Vietnamese healthcare sector and also a motivation to continue striving towards the goal of ensuring universal healthcare, leaving no one behind.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cong-bo-chinh-thuc-thanh-toan-benh-mat-hot-tai-viet-nam-post872330.html