KPL
Health officials in Vientiane Province have successfully completed a large-scale vaccination campaign against polio and measles for children under five years old.
The campaign significantly exceeded its targets, according to a report released Wednesday by the Vientiane Provincial Health Department.
For polio, health workers aimed to vaccinate 45,834 children. In the first round, held March 2, they reached 46,126 children, or 101% of the target. In the second round, which ran from April 27 to May 10, they vaccinated 47,158 children, reaching 103% of the goal.
For measles and rubella, the campaign targeted 10,463 children between nine and 59 months old in three districts: Phonhong, Kasi, and Viengkham. Officials said 10,384 children received the vaccine, achieving 99% coverage.
The vaccinations were administered at 741 service points across all 11 districts of the province. That included 62 fixed locations, 659 mobile points, and 20 overnight mobile teams, which allowed health workers to reach families in remote areas.
A total of 216 medical personnel, assisted by 741 village volunteers, carried out the field operations.
Dr. Vanpheng Phanthanalay, Director of the Vientiane Provincial Health Department, said in an interview Wednesday that the campaign's success was due to strong leadership and broad community participation.
He credited local authorities at the provincial, district, and village levels for mobilizing residents and educating families about the importance of the vaccines. He also praised district officials for preparing detailed lists of target children in each village, as well as village volunteers who guided medical teams from house to house.
Looking ahead, Dr. Vanpheng said his department will coordinate with the Lao Women's Union, the Lao Front for National Development, and local authorities to expand public education on routine immunizations.
He said routine vaccines, which protect against 10 diseases, will continue to be offered weekly at fixed points including the provincial hospital, district hospitals, and local health centers. In addition, monthly village-level immunization rounds will be held from the 3rd to the 15th of every month.
With the rainy season approaching, Dr. Vanpheng also warned about the risk of dengue fever. He said health teams are currently conducting education campaigns to encourage residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take preventive measures against outbreaks.
KPL
