Leading vaccine manufacturers from developing countries are participating in a meeting in Hanoi to share experience in vaccine production and management, state media reported. The 14th annual meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) on Oct 7-9 focuses on developing expanded immunization programs, improving legal framework and introducing technological advances in vaccine manufacturing. During the three-day event, participants also discuss the demand for global community health and vaccine supply, approach to new vaccines, development and cooperation in the field. Addressing the meeting, Vietnamese Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long stressed the vital role of vaccines in reducing death rates caused by infectious diseases, especially among children. In Vietnam, the number of contagious diseases among kids is going down thanks to vaccination programs in recent years. Vietnam has been recognized as one of the most successful developing countries in implementing the program, he added. However, many people are not keen on participating in such programs as the country still records some deaths from anaphylactic shocks after vaccination. Vietnam has reported more than 27 related deaths over the past four years. Set up in 2000, the DCVMN aims to protect people from infectious diseases by providing sufficient and high-quality vaccines. The organization now has over 38 vaccine manufacturers which have produced 40 types of vaccines for the expanded immunization. (Ha Noi Moi – New Hanoi Oct 8 p5, Lao Dong – Labor Oct 8 p2, vietnamplus.vn Oct 7)
