Co-organised by the Ministry of Health and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the event saw the participation of a large number of experts and doctors in Vietnam and overseas. They mulled over a series of matters, including the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox; disease prevention and control in Vietnam; and ensuring migrants’ health during public health emergencies.

Bui Manh Hung from the IOM Vietnam provided an overview of a project on the country’s public health capacity building serving a safe reopening for international visitors.

A workshop took place in the central coastal city of Da Nang on February 9 discussing methods and lessons. Photo: IOM

He said it has been implemented in six border provinces and five international airports, equipping customs and health staff with knowledge on disease prevention and control as well as response to public health emergencies, and raising awareness of more than 20,000 migrants and residents in border areas about the harmful effects of infectious disease.

Workshop discusses response to public health emergencies in border areas. Photo: BQP

As heard at the function, to manage issues related to the health of migrants, Vietnam established a technical working group in May last year. The group plays the role of a national coordination mechanism enabling the engagement of different ministries and their cooperation with relevant parties in building and implementing interventions and health policies for migrants.