Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – December 18, 2024
The Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, in partnership with Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. (MVC), hosted the conference "Strategies and Solutions to Strengthen Prevention and Control of HFMD in Vietnam." The event brought together prominent public health officials, medical experts, and vaccine researchers to tackle the growing challenges posed by Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). The discussions underscored the urgent need for improved prevention measures, including the adoption of the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) vaccine.
HFMD, a highly contagious disease predominantly affecting young children, continues to be a significant public health challenge in Vietnam. Severe cases, particularly those linked to EV71, often lead to neurological complications, hospitalizations, and fatalities. The most recent large outbreak in 2023 resulted in 180,000 confirmed cases and 31 fatalities, highlighting the persistent burden of HFMD despite ongoing hygiene education and outbreak management efforts. In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute, emphasized the critical importance of devising clear strategies to address HFMD and called for enhanced prevention solutions.
Representing Vietnam CDC, Dr. Tran Dai Quang, Deputy Manager of the Department of Infectious Diseases Control, and Dr. Vo Thanh Nhon, Head of Tien Giang CDC, presented the latest epidemiological data. Dr. Quang emphasized the persistent high incidence of HFMD nationwide, while Dr. Nhon described the urgent need for effective prevention measures in Tien Giang, a province severely affected by the disease. Both experts underlined the necessity of the EV71 vaccine to curb HFMD outbreaks and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, President of Children’s Hospital 1, and Assoc. Prof., President of the National Children’s Hospital, shared insights from their respective hospital. Dr. Hung detailed the severity of HFMD in southern Vietnam, where recurrent outbreaks often overwhelm pediatric hospitals with severe cases. Complementing this, Dr. Dien highlighted the challenges in National Children’s Hospital, emphasizing the importance of early preparedness and strategic interventions to minimize the impact of outbreaks. Both experts reinforced the need for the EV71 vaccine to alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities and safeguard children’s health.
The potential of the EV71 vaccine was a central focus of the discussions. MSc. Nguyen Trong Toan, principal investigator of the Phase 3 clinical trial conducted by MVC and the Pasteur Institute, presented compelling data demonstrating the vaccine’s 96.8% efficacy, with no confirmed EV71 cases in the vaccinated group. Importantly, the results of the trial were published in The Lancet, a highly reputable international medical journal, further validating the vaccine's effectiveness and scientific rigor. These findings align with real-world data from Taiwan, where the vaccine has been widely adopted. Dr. Yhu Chering Huang, former president of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan, highlighted its excellent safety profile and strong public confidence, with over 250,000 doses successfully administered in the past year.
During a roundtable discussion led by former Minister of Health, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, experts highlighted the critical role of the vaccine in preventing HFMD, particularly given its severe impact on infants and young children and the burden on hospitals. Dr. Phan Trong Lan, Head of the National Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), emphasized the necessity of a vaccine to address the recurring burden on healthcare systems. The panel collectively stressed the importance of early availability and accessibility to protect children during their most vulnerable years.
Summarizing the shared vision, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien stated: "The introduction of the EV71 vaccine in Vietnam is not just a preventive measure; it is a lifeline for our children and a vital step in strengthening the country’s public health system. We must act now to ensure this vaccine reaches those who need it most."
The conference concluded with a strong commitment to early vaccination, improved vaccine accessibility, and strategic preparation to mitigate the impact of HFMD, marking a significant step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of Vietnam’s children.
【Local reports in Vietnam】
(Title in Vietamese: Cục Y tế Dự phòng nêu thống kê đặc biệt về tỷ lệ mắc tay chân miệng ở trẻ em)
※[Tintuc] Vaccine - a solution to reduce the burden caused by hand, foot and mouth disease
(Title in Vietamese: Vaccine - giải pháp giảm gánh nặng do bệnh tay chân miệng gây ra)