Risk of many disease outbreaks
According to statistics from the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2024, the whole province had 7,267 cases of dengue fever recorded in 15/15 districts, towns and cities with 284 outbreaks.
Of these, there were 3 deaths. The number of dengue fever cases in 2024 increased by 47.6% compared to 2023.
In 2024, there were also 772 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease. The number of cases occurred mainly in the community and the source of infection was unknown. Notably, the whole province recorded more than 800 cases of measles in both children and adults.
According to the Dak Lak CDC, it is forecasted that by 2025, infectious diseases in the province will continue to develop complicatedly and there is a risk of disease outbreaks. For example, measles, dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease, etc.
Mr. Hoang Hai Phuc - Director of CDC Dak Lak commented: "Currently, the grassroots health system lacks human resources because specialized staff change or take on many jobs. The network of collaborators and village health workers is not operating effectively due to lack of funding and lack of training."
Mr. Phuc said that the risk of infectious disease outbreaks is increasing due to the complicated and difficult-to-control migration situation, especially in border districts such as Buon Don and Ea Sup. Managing and controlling people here is difficult.
Besides, people's awareness is still subjective, depending on the health sector, while some local authorities have not been really determined in directing epidemic prevention and implementing expanded vaccination.
At medical facilities, the number of people receiving medical examinations, treatment and vaccination services has not been as effective as expected. At the district and commune levels, the shortage of equipment, medicines and medical facilities has not been resolved, affecting the quality of medical examinations and treatment.
Support medical equipment and supplies
Mr. Vien Chinh Chien, Director of the Central Highlands Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, commented: "It is forecasted that in 2025, infectious diseases in the Central Highlands provinces will continue to develop complicatedly, with the risk of large outbreaks in some localities. As a unit under the Ministry of Health, we will closely monitor and propose appropriate treatment plans."
According to Mr. Chien, in 2024, the institute's staff made dozens of working trips to the four provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Dak Nong to prevent dengue fever.
In 2025, the institute will mobilize international organizations to support measles vaccination for people in the Central Highlands, while continuing to support the local health sector in preventing and fighting epidemics at the grassroots level.
As for dengue fever, the vaccine will be licensed for circulation by the Ministry of Health in 2025. However, because this is a paid vaccine, localities need to proactively implement preventive measures to control outbreaks and prevent widespread spread.
Dak Lak Department of Health will also continue to implement the national target program on socio-economic development for ethnic minority and mountainous areas.
The program includes training to improve the capacity of medical staff, both public and private, combined with upgrading facilities, supplementing equipment and essential medicines to better meet the needs of medical examination and treatment.
