WHO grants trachoma eradication certification to Vietnam

According to a VNA reporter in Geneva, at the high-level meeting of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) on May 20, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan gave a speech, focusing on the close relationship between Vietnam and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Opening his speech, Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan mentioned that Vietnam has just organized meaningful activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification, as well as preparing to mark 50 years of close and effective cooperation with WHO.

Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan affirmed that Vietnam has achieved many remarkable medical milestones, with the continuous support of WHO, of which 3 milestones stand out.

First, last year, Vietnam banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. By banning them, Vietnam can protect young people and reduce long-term health and economic costs.

Second, social health insurance covers nearly 95% of the population, including poor and low-income households and the informal sector. Health care is more accessible and equitable than ever.

As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with Typhoon Yagi damaging hundreds of healthcare facilities last year alone, Vietnam is strengthening the climate resilience of its healthcare facilities to protect health and save lives.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan stated that the theme of this year's WHA session is "One World for Health", showing the need to maintain cooperation and solidarity, especially in this challenging time, and thanked WHO for its support to Vietnam.

The Deputy Minister stressed that this support is very important in improving people's health and lives and Vietnam wishes to continue this trustworthy cooperation, in cooperation with other member countries and partners.

Also within the framework of the ongoing session in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented a certificate to Vietnam on trachoma elimination after decades of action and synchronous cooperation across the health sector, marking an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve public health and prevent blindness caused by this preventable disease.

Director-General Ghebreyesus praised Vietnam's achievements, stating that this is a testament to the commitment of the Government, health workers and communities across the country.

This is a prime example of how targeted interventions, strong partnerships and sustained efforts can bring about real change in people's health, he said./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/who-trao-chung-nhan-cong-nhan-thanh-toan-benh-mat-hot-cho-viet-nam-post1039731.vnp