GSK and the Medical Association launch a series of scientific seminars on infectious disease prevention

GSK Vietnam Pharmaceutical Company Limited (GSK Vietnam) has just accompanied medical associations to organize a series of scientific seminars with the theme of updating the epidemiological situation and proactive solutions to prevent dangerous infectious diseases in children in the most effective way.

Starting in July in Dong Nai with the Center for Training Medical Human Resources according to Social Needs, followed by Binh Dinh City (August) and Hanoi (September) with the Vietnam Lung Association, the series of seminars attracted the participation of more than 2,000 medical experts in the fields of pediatrics, prevention and infectious diseases across the country, including both online and in-person formats.

At the workshop series, health experts focused on discussing the current situation and burden of infectious diseases, especially after the impact of Covid-19 and the disruption of the supply of essential vaccines for young children. From there, they emphasized the importance of early vaccination, especially for dangerous diseases commonly found in children under 1 year old such as respiratory infections, whooping cough and hepatitis B.

Medical experts participate in discussion at the workshop

Dr. Le Kien Ngai - Head of the Department of Infection Prevention and Control - Head of the Clinic and Vaccination Consultant of the National Children's Hospital shared at the workshop: "Respiratory tract infections are common acute diseases in children, with two main agents being pneumococcus and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Common respiratory tract infections are otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia. The most common is acute otitis media, affecting the health of more than 80% of children under 3 years old. If not treated properly, otitis media can cause complications such as permanent hearing loss, impaired language ability or even death in cases of intracranial pus complications".

Regarding treatment options, experts say that antibiotics are often the initial indication. However, the results of many studies show that some pathogenic bacteria, typically pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, currently have very high antibiotic resistance rates. Therefore, experts agree that early vaccination for children is one of the urgent and effective proactive interventions to prevent these dangerous diseases.

Dr. Le Kien Ngai shares scientific data and advice on vaccination for children at the workshop

Associate Professor, Dr. Cao Huu Nghia, Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, also emphasized that whooping cough is a disease that needs to be vaccinated early for children, because of dangerous complications such as respiratory failure, pneumonia, conjunctival hemorrhage, and even death. In 2014, it was estimated that up to 53% of the 160,700 deaths from whooping cough worldwide were infants under 1 year old. According to the Ministry of Health's electronic information portal, as of April 2024, the country recorded 127 cases of whooping cough, an increase of 7.9 times compared to the same period last year.

“Notably, the actual prevalence of whooping cough may be much higher than reported rates due to inaccurate diagnosis and underreporting in many countries, especially low-income countries,” Dr. Nghia shared.

This year's World Hepatitis Day also continues to call for raising awareness about hepatitis prevention to reduce the burden of treatment. According to WHO estimates, in 2022, 254 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. About 90% of children infected with hepatitis B virus in early childhood will be at risk of developing chronic hepatitis. Vietnam is also a country with a high epidemic of hepatitis B virus. Therefore, medical experts at the workshop emphasized the role and importance of hepatitis B vaccination, especially in children, to proactively prevent hepatitis most effectively.

With nearly 30 years of development in the biopharmaceutical industry in Vietnam, and the belief that disease prevention is the most effective way to stay ahead of disease, GSK has always strived to accompany the health sector to improve pediatric health, helping children prevent dangerous infectious diseases. In addition, the company also deploys an effective consulting model, to help medical staff have discussions and provide complete information to be able to give the most appropriate recommendations to parents about early vaccination for their children.

Appreciating GSK's initiative and positivity, Dr. Kien Ngai said: "In the context of many infectious diseases and many types of vaccines to pay attention to, parents will have many concerns when deciding to vaccinate their children. Therefore, the fact that doctors can understand parents' concerns and provide appropriate medical advice and guidance will help parents feel more secure on their journey of taking care of their children's health."

Source: https://baodautu.vn/gsk-cung-hiep-hoi-y-khoa-trien-khai-chuoi-hoi-thao-khoa-hoc-ve-phong-benh-truyen-nhiem-d227505.html