Manufacturers highlight role of vaccines in reducing mortality rates

Participants to the on-going 14th annual meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) in Vietnam's capital Hanoi affirmed the vital role of vaccines in reducing mortality rates caused by infectious diseases, especially among children. Delegates at the three-day event, starting from Monday to Wednesday under the theme "Better Vaccine, Healthier Life," discussed the demand for the international community's health and vaccine supply, how to approach new types of vaccines, development and cooperation, state-run Vietnam News Agency report. They heard reports from the World Health Organization, saying that every year vaccines help save the lives of three million children while two million others die because they do not have access to vaccinations. Thanks to technological advances, vaccines which could prevent 30 infectious diseases have been successfully put into operation. According to the Vietnam's Ministry of Health (MOH), the expanded immunization program for children has proved effective after 25 years of implementation in Vietnam, with the rate of catching vaccinated infectious diseases reducing remarkably. Vietnam has been rated among the most successful developing countries in implementing the program. Vietnam's vaccine manufacturers have produced and supplied 10 out of 11 types of vaccines for the expanded immunization program, reported the ministry. Established in 2000, the DCVMN aims to protect people from infectious diseases by providing sufficient and good quality vaccines. The network now consists of 38 vaccine manufacturers which have produced 40 types of vaccines for the expanded immunization program, and more than 200 others which are allowed to be circulated in the market.