Hanoi (VNA) -ꩲ The Ministry of Health has sent a document to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities regarding the strengthening of infectious disease prevention and control during the Lunar New Year (Tet) and the 2025 festival season, given increases in contagious diseases, especially respiratory illnesses, around the world.

Accordingly, the ministry urged the implementation of directives of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Health concerning the medical work, and the prevention and control of infectious diseases so as to ensure a joyful, healthy, safe, and economical Tet celebration. Local authorities at all levels were instructed to enhance their roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and the acceleration of vaccination efforts. The People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities were tasked with directing local health departments to develop and submit a plan for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in 2025. The departments were assigned to closely monitor the spread of contagious diseases, particularly respiratory illnesses, severe pneumonia caused by viruses, and other common diseases that often spike during the Lunar New Year and festival season, including measles, dengue fever, hand-foot-mouth disease, rabies, and avian influenza. In addition, the departments are to increase health quarantine measures at border crossings, with a focus on proactive surveillance activities. This includes event-based monitoring, early detection of suspected cases at border gates, within communities, and at healthcare facilities to ensure timely intervention, prevent further transmission, and minimise severe cases and fatalities. Local health authorities were asked to ensure the timely implementation of the expanded immunisation programme and prepare plans to address a potential increase in hospital admissions due to infectious diseases. They were also required to develop plans, assign tasks, and ensure 24/7 mission readiness to address any emergencies during the Lunar New Year Festival./.