WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai, WHO Representative in Vietnam Kidong Park, and a delegation from Ministry of Health led by Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan, paid a working visit to Dai Son commune in Yen Bai’s Van Yen district on January 12 and 13 to inspect COVID-19 vaccination and school health.
The WHO and Ministry of Health delegation observes vaccination against COVID-19 at home for the elderly in Da Duc village, Dai Son commune. (Photo: VNA)
During the visit, Mr. Kasai expressed his impression of the operation of the medical stations, local pandemic fight and vaccination, in an attempt to protect people’s health.
He also said he hoped that the active participation of local authorities at all levels would minimize the number of deaths caused by the pandemic; and believed Van Yen district and Yen Bai province will effectively respond to COVID-19 in a safe and flexible manner in the long term, he affirmed that WHO will assist and accompany the provincial health sector in related information and experience exchange.
Receiving the delegation on January 13, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Do Duc Duy and Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Tran Huy Tuan expressed his thanks to WHO and the Ministry of Health for the sponsorship and support for the provincial health sector to achieve many high results, thereby contributing to improving the quality of people's health care in the area.
He added that he hoped WHO would continue coordinating with universities, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, and relevant agencies to support Yen Bai in primary health care training for health workers, including those working at schools; and provide financial and technical support for Yen Bai to build a number of health improvement models at semi-boarding and boarding schools in upland districts and ethnic minority-populated areas.
According to the provincial leaders, by the end of 2021, Yen Bai had 140 communes, or 80.9 percent of the total, meeting the national health standards, 100 percent of local students received health checkups at the outset of the academic year, and 70 percent of local schools had an adequately equipped medical office.
Mr. Kasai expressed his impression with the development of the Yen Bai health sector. In particular, the Provincial General Hospital has been invested in spacious construction, developing many high and new techniques in examination and treatment, and the high percentage of medical staff who are ethnic minorities.
He added that the province is on the right path in COVID-19 prevention and control, Kasai affirmed that WHO will further support and share information and experience with Vietnam and Yen Bai regarding their responses to the pandemic.
Noting that the Omicron variant spreads very quickly, to cope with the spread, he emphasized the role of vaccines, and protection of vulnerable groups, including the elderly and the frontline forces.
He affirmed that WHO will accompany, support and share information and experiences with Vietnam and Yen Bai province in the process of pandemic prevention and control./.