DIRECTIVE OF THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

On strengthening work to prevent and control acute respiratory infections caused by viruses

 due to viruses

 ___________________

According to the World Health Organization's announcement, currently, some infectious diseases causing epidemics continue to develop complicatedly: dengue fever, Ebola, cholera, influenza, particularly SARS and avian influenza A (H5N1). The disease occurs scattered in almost all countries on five continents. In some countries in the region, avian influenza continues to be recorded. In Thailand, from the beginning of the year until now, there have been 16 cases of infection, including 11 deaths due to avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.

In Vietnam, Maleaccording to reports from localities, the situation of acute respiratory infections caused by viruses continues to develop complicatedly. From the beginning of the year until now (October 1, 2004), there have been 27 cases of infection, including 20 deaths, especially in August and September 2004, in the provinces of Ha Tay, Hau Giang, Tra Vinh, Hanoi, there were 9 cases of pneumonia caused by viruses related to avian influenza, of which 4 cases tested positive for avian influenza A (H5N1) virus and died. Therefore, the risk of an outbreak of acute respiratory infections caused by viruses during the upcoming winter-spring season is very large..

To urgently implement measures to prevent and control the epidemic, preventing its spread and prolongation, the Minister of Health issues the Directive:

1. Directors of Health Departments of provinces/cities directly under the Central Government

a) Advise the People's Committees of Provinces/Cities to strengthen the activities of the Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of SARS and Avian Influenza in Humans at all levels in their localities.

b) Coordinate closely with veterinary agencies in the inspection and monitoring of the avian influenza situation down to villages, hamlets, communes, wards, households. Widespread use of Chloramine B for disinfection, decontamination, and thorough treatment of infected areas. Implement protective measures for medical staff and those directly involved in handling infected areas at the local level and facilities.

c) For localities with international border gates, strictly inspect passengers entering from regions with outbreaks, areas with old infected zones, to prevent the entry of diseases.

d) Direct subordinate units to closely monitor cases of acute respiratory infections caused by viruses in areas affected by avian influenza, detect early, and treat promptly in accordance with the "Guidelines for Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Caused by Viruses" issued pursuant to Decision No. 158/2004/QD-BYT dated January 19, 2004, of the Minister of Health.

e) Propagate and guide the people to implement four measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza to humans as stipulated in Circular No. 1156/DP/AIDS-DT dated 02/8/2004 of the Ministry of Health.

f) Balance the budget, ensure sufficient drugs, chemicals, and specialized materials for stockpiling to serve the prevention and control of epidemics as well as personal protective equipment for staff directly involved in investigating and handling infected areas, treating patients.

g) Regularly report to the People's Committees of Provinces/Cities on the epidemic situation and preventive activities implemented in their localities, strictly implementing the Information and Reporting Regulations for Infectious Diseases issued pursuant to Decision No. 4880/2002/QD-BYT dated December 6, 2002, of the Minister of Health.

2. Institutes: National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute, Nha Trang Pasteur Institute, Western Highlands Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute

a) Direct localities to strengthen surveillance activities for early detection, diagnosis, determination of causative agents, sources of infection, and proactively implement measures to control risk factors for epidemics. Organize training courses on epidemic prevention for localities within their respective regions..

b) Stockpile disinfectants, equipment, and specialized materials, implement anti-epidemic activities, and stand ready to support localities when an epidemic occurs.

3. Department of Preventive Medicine and HIV/AIDS Prevention - Ministry of Health

a) Advise the Minister of Health on directing the prevention and control of acute respiratory infections caused by viruses nationwide and other epidemics during the 2004-2005 winter-spring season.

b) Directly direct, urge, and inspect localities and units under the preventive health system to implement preventive measures.

4. Department of Treatment - Ministry of Health

a) Continue to direct training for treatment staff, inspecting the treatment of acute respiratory infections caused by viruses across the country.

b) Direct affiliated Institutes/Hospitals under the Ministry, provincial city hospitals to prepare sufficient medicines, resuscitation equipment, and necessary means to be ready to receive, resuscitate, and treat patients.

c) Develop resuscitation and treatment protocols, guiding healthcare facilities nationwide to implement them.

5. Department of Planning and Finance - Ministry of Health

Aggregate and coordinate resources from the state budget and domestic and foreign organizations for the prevention and control of epidemics.

6. Other units under the Ministry of Health

Cooperate with related units to organize disease prevention activities when required within their assigned functions and responsibilities.

Upon receipt of this Directive, heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Health Departments directly under the Central Government shall immediately implement the above activities and report results to the Ministry of Health.