Her Excellency, Professor Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, Minister of Health;
Representatives from the central Government, line ministries and provinces;
UN colleagues, representatives of development partners;
Representatives
of the media; Distinguished guests;
I am very pleased to be here today on behalf of the United Nations and to congratulate Viet Nam on a successful Measles-Rubella Immunization campaign.
Over the past ten months over 19,735,000 children were vaccinated safely as part of the campaign, resulting in a nationwide coverage of over 98%.
By any standards this is an enormous achievement.
The MR campaign proves once again that immunization is an effective investment in the health of children across Viet Nam.
Of course, Ladies and Gentlemen, this success couldn’t have been achieved without each and every one of you.
It demonstrates the power of collective action.
The Government provided overall leadership and guidance to the Ministry of Health, Line Ministries and Provincial People Committees.
The National EPI was responsible for the overall coordination and the GAVI Alliance provided financial support.
We have also had strong collaboration, coordination and support from all relevant sectors including the Ministry of Education and Training, the Military Health Administration, the Fatherland Front, and the Women’s Union. They have worked together with the Ministry of Health at all levels in planning and delivering MR vaccines to Viet Nam’s children.
Parents and caregivers – you have played a critical role in bringing your children to the vaccination sites.
The tireless efforts of the front line health workers in communes and districts - often working in very difficult circumstances – must also not be forgotten!
The mass media have also played a vital role in helping parents understand the importance of the campaign, in disseminating information, and in mobilizing public support and awareness.
But, Ladies and Gentlemen, in spite of our success, this is no time to rest on our past successes.
Now we must focus on routine immunization and although routine immunization might not make headlines, it is indispensable to the health and well-being of Viet Nam’s future generations.
Today, we urge the Government and Ministry of Health to continue to invest and make sure that the necessary funding, human resources and supplies are in place to vaccinate ALL children in a timely manner.
Parents and caregivers should remain attentive to ensure that children strictly adhere to the national immunization schedule without any delay. Unnecessary delay in vaccination will make our children vulnerable.
Ladies and gentlemen, With an increasingly important capacity of domestic vaccine production, a strong National EPI and a fully functional NRA Viet Nam is well equipped to immunize all children routinely against preventable communicable diseases!
Going forward the development of the next 5-year Socio-Economic Development Plan, National Health Sector and Immunization Plan provides all of us with a unique opportunity to take stock of our progress and identify gaps.
Those plans should also pave the way to further strengthen the immunization system, develop sustainable funding mechanisms, and introduce new vaccines based on sound analyses and evidence.
UNICEF and WHO remain committed to working alongside its partners to continue cooperation and support to immunization in Viet Nam.
Vaccination is a right and collectively we owe it to the children of this country to work together to reach every child in Viet Nam and achieve Measles and Rubella elimination!
Xin Cảm Ơn!