Nghe An builds and develops a 'fortress against the epidemic'.

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh - Deputy Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Director of the Nghe An Department of Health, discussed with Nghe An Newspaper some issues related to Covid-19 prevention and control in the coming period.

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh directs the epidemic prevention and control work in the Dien Chau epicenter. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh:During June and July,Nghe AnNumerous cases of Covid-19 infection appeared simultaneously. However, with concerted efforts and unity, the entire province resolutely implemented epidemic control measures. And at this point, all old outbreaks have been resolved and well controlled, especially those in Vinh City, Dien Chau, Nam Dan, and Nghi Loc districts...

Just as the previous outbreak was brought under control, Nghe An province has recently seen the emergence of new outbreaks in Tuong Duong and other districts.Ky SonWith 29 people infected, the new outbreak presents complexities; completely controlling it will also be quite difficult. Firstly, the source of infection is not yet clearly identified, although the outbreak occurred within the Khmu ethnic community, which is known for its limited external contact. The source of infection may have originated from interaction with people in Laos, or from people arriving from other localities. Contact tracing using information technology via phone subscriptions shows that many F0 cases had previously visited areas along the border. It is also important to note the history of the villages where F0 cases appeared, as these villages were previously plagued by drug abuse and social vices.

Medical staff take samples for testing from residents of Cham Puong village, Luong Minh commune, Tuong Duong district. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

Thirdly, implementing social distancing measures to prevent and control the epidemic in mountainous areas is not simple. While in lowland areas, people with better economic conditions can stay home and endure the epidemic for a longer period, in mountainous areas, social distancing means that people who have traditionally relied on daily sustenance for survival will lack food supplies. Party committees, authorities, and political organizations must ensure that people have food supplies to stay home and fight the epidemic with peace of mind. In addition, many other factors hinder the effectiveness of epidemic control measures, such as language, customs, levels of awareness, and economic conditions.

The district task force went up the mountain to find residents to bring them back for testing and health declaration. Photo: Thanh Cuong

PV:In the current context of the complex Covid-19 pandemic, the role of the people in prevention and control is crucial. Could you elaborate on the effective, people-based pandemic prevention and control strategy that Nghe An is implementing?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh:During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, we have clearly seen the important role and the fighting spirit of the people.Nghe AnThe people of Nghe An have been very proactive in complying with and implementing disease prevention regulations, as well as actively supporting disease prevention and control efforts. Whenever the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee launches a campaign, people in the province share their food and clothing to support the fight against the epidemic, even though their lives and economic conditions are still difficult. Areas affected by the epidemic, such as Vinh City and Luong Minh commune, have received much love and support. And right now, many trains and trucks from Nghe An are carrying food and supplies.Nghe AnHe went to Ho Chi Minh City to support the local authorities in fighting the epidemic.

People in Nghe An province donate food and supplies to the epicenter of the outbreak. Photo: Duc Anh

Now, the "internal" outbreak in Nghe An has basically been controlled (only a few outbreaks in mountainous areas remain that can be contained soon). The biggest concern is the influx of cases from other areas (for example, the case of a pregnant woman who tested negative in Ho Chi Minh City but developed symptoms upon returning to Nghe An). Nghe An has implemented many measures to control transportation, airports, and border crossings, but somehow people arriving from/returning from affected areas still manage to slip through. At this time, the role of the people and community COVID-19 teams in combating the epidemic needs to be further emphasized. They are the ones directly fighting the epidemic in their communities and dealing with these cases.

Covid-19 prevention and control checkpoint in La Ngan village, Huu Kiem commune. Photo: Thanh Cuong

PV:Recently, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense, organized the launching ceremony for the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign in 2021-2022. How has Nghe An province developed its vaccination plan?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh:It must be said that vaccination is an extremely important strategy in the current prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, the vaccination rate in Nghe An is only over 3.3% of the population; much lower than the vaccination rate in the country and the world. Recently, the Provincial Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has submitted a document requesting and proposing to the Government and the Ministry of Health to quickly supply vaccines for vaccination.

Implementing the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign for 2021-2022. Over the past week, the Provincial Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and the Health sector have drafted a plan, seeking feedback from relevant departments and agencies before submitting it to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for approval and issuance of a decision. Following the issuance of the draft, the Covid-19 vaccination steering committees at the provincial and district/city/town levels have also been established and are carrying out their tasks.

Vaccination against Covid-19 for COVID-19 prevention and control forces in Vinh City. Photo: Thanh Chung

It should be clarified that the 2021-2022 National Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign is not solely the responsibility of the provincial Steering Committees or the health sector, but a shared responsibility. Local Steering Committees must also prepare very carefully, especially in logistics, communication, and information technology. Nghe An aims to vaccinate 30-40% of its population against Covid-19 by the end of the year; vaccination will not be spread out but will be administered sequentially to eligible individuals according to Resolution 21, prioritizing people in high-risk areas.

PV:Thank you, sir!