(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam is among seven countries selected by the World Health Organization (WHO) to conduct research on the M72 tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, according to Hanoi-based Central Lung Hospital. 16 types of TB vaccines have been studied in clinical trials.
 Health Minister Dao Hong Lan speaks at a meeting in Hanoi in response to World TB Day 2024. |
The research result of the M72 vaccine shows that with at least one injection, this type of vaccine has passed the WHO recommended level with about 50% protection.
According to the WHO’s 2023 report on infectious diseases, TB is still the second leading cause of death in the world. It stands behind only COVID19. It is worth mentioning that current global goals in TB control are behind schedule.
Vietnam is currently ranked 11th among 30 countries worldwide in terms of a TB burden especially the multidrug-resistant TB variant.
Director of the Central Lung Hospital, Dinh Van Luong said at an event in response to World TB Day in Hanoi on Thursday that Vietnam’s theme for World TB Day 2024 is “Yes! We Can End TB!”
“It demonstrates Vietnam’s highest determination to fight TB,” said Luong.
WHO representative in Vietnam, Angela Pratt said that Vietnam’s theme this year is ideal to its national strategy to end TB by 2035. She reiterated the WHO’s commitment to collaborating with Vietnam to achieve its goal.
While Vietnam identified more than 100,000 TB patients and recorded around 13,000 related deaths last year, its successful treatment rate stands at over 90%.