Strengthening polio prevention and control

Poliomyelitis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Polio virus, which can lead to permanent paralysis and death. Although Vietnam has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eradicated polio since 2000, the risk of the virus re-entering the country still exists as wild poliovirus (WPV1) is still circulating in Afghanistan and Pakistan and cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) have been recorded in many countries in the region, including Laos.

Faced with this risk, the Central Center for Health Communication and Education ( Ministry of Health ) issued Document No. 699/GDSKTW dated September 29, 2025, requesting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of provinces and cities to strengthen communication and monitoring of polio prevention and control.

Vaccination – The most effective measure

Vaccination is the most proactive and effective prevention solution. Currently, the Expanded Immunization Program is using two types of vaccines in parallel: OPV (oral, live attenuated) and IPV (inactivated, injectable) . Children need to take OPV and IPV on schedule to achieve sustainable immunity, preventing the risk of infection. Experts recommend that if vaccinated with enough doses, the vaccine can protect up to 99% against the risk of paralysis caused by the Polio virus.

People are encouraged to monitor vaccination schedules, use the "Electronic Health Book" application on VNeID to manage personal information, and participate in supporting the Vietnam Vaccine Fund, contributing to protecting public health.

Strengthen communication and supervision

Local CDCs are requested to coordinate with press, radio and television agencies to organize news, articles, reports, seminars and communications on polio vaccination according to the instructions in Decision No. 5142/QD-BYT. In addition, it is necessary to take advantage of social networks such as Facebook, Zalo, YouTube, TikTok... to provide accurate information, advise people and promptly refute rumors and false information.

Communication materials need to be diverse and accessible, with priority given to videos , radio clips, and infographics to suit a wide range of audiences. Monitoring activities are also required to be strengthened, especially at border gates, borders, islands, and high-risk areas.

People are advised to follow disease prevention hygiene: eat cooked food, drink boiled water, use clean water, dispose of waste hygienically, wash hands regularly with soap; limit contact with people suspected of having the disease and take children to a medical facility immediately if there are unusual signs.

Communication and monitoring focus on high-risk groups such as children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. Key areas include densely populated areas, schools, maternity and pediatric hospitals, disadvantaged areas, border areas, and islands.

Maintaining full immunization, enhancing surveillance and multi-channel communication not only protects the health of each individual but also maintains Vietnam's polio eradication achievements, contributing to the common effort for a polio-free world.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/tang-cuong-phong-chong-benh-bai-liet-289177