ຂປລ
The Ministry of Health on July 8 reviewed community communication efforts ahead of the 2026 National Polio Vaccination Day, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening public awareness and increasing childhood immunization coverage nationwide.
The meeting focused on improving health education and community mobilization to ensure children under five receive all routine vaccinations according to the National Immunization Schedule.
Deputy Minister of Health Vannaxay Chattakoun said community communication remains a key pillar of disease prevention and health promotion by encouraging healthy practices and increasing public understanding of vaccination.
He noted that children must receive all recommended vaccines before the age of five to protect them against preventable diseases. However, achieving full immunization coverage remains challenging due to the country's mountainous terrain, remote communities, language diversity, traditional beliefs, and vaccine hesitancy.
According to the deputy minister, misconceptions about vaccine safety and limited understanding of immunization continue to affect vaccination rates in some communities. He stressed that health workers must strengthen communication efforts to build public trust and address misinformation.
To improve vaccination coverage, particularly against polio and measles, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with development partners, is implementing a nationwide campaign to administer oral polio vaccine and the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine to children under five.
The campaign aims to ensure every eligible child—whether living in urban centres or remote rural communities—receives life-saving vaccines and that no child is left behind.
The ministry reaffirmed that effective public communication and community participation remain essential to protecting children's health and preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across the country.
KPL
