Since early June this year, the Central Highlands region has witnessed a diphtheria outbreak, causing three deaths.

A  diphtheria patient in Dak Nong

Most of the diphtheria cases live in remote areas and were not vaccinated against or did not follow the vaccination properly.

The PM urged authorities of localities to focus on communication activities on diphtheria to help raise public awareness of the disease.

The government leader also called for adequate funding for medical equipment and other related items in the fight against the disease. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the financial allocation based on the Ministry of Health’s proposal.

The Ministry of Health needs to instruct cities and provinces to timely detect diphtheria outbreak and provide training courses for medical staff on the disease treatment. 

Schools nationwide have to ensure hygiene to help prevent the disease.

Diphtheria has tended to be on the sharp rise.

By July 6, Dak Nong had 25 diphtheria cases, including two children.

Meanwhile, Gia Lai Province has recorded 13 diphtheria patients, including one death. The province has asked the Ministry of Health for the supply of 100,000 doses of vaccines against diphtheria.