The Preah Vihear provincial health department has issued instructions to local officials to start vaccinating children against 11 diseases, including Covid-19. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of multiple diseases, reduce mortality and alleviate poverty.
Department Director Kuong Lo announced on October 4 that the campaign would begin early this month. The vaccine has been distributed to health posts, health centers and hospitals for children and infants across the province.
Vaccination programs protect against tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, hemophilic pneumonia, meningitis, streptococcal pneumonia, measles, rubella and encephalitis. In addition, women of childbearing age are being vaccinated against tetanus as part of the campaign.
It explains that newborns must be vaccinated against tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Not only will vaccination protect them from these diseases, but it will also make it easier to diagnose any underlying symptoms should they become sick.
“These vaccinations are significant as they protect against various diseases and significantly reduce childhood morbidity and mortality, thereby playing a vital role in reducing poverty,” he explained.
As per the health department’s strategy, officials have been designated to provide services to villages and communities located more than 5 kilometers away from health centres, while people living within a radius of 5 kilometers can get services directly at the health centres.
The report also noted that the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign in October to vaccinate 9-year-old girls against HPV.