The Ministry of Health’s website quoted Shin Young-Soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, as saying Vietnam has also completely wiped out measles before the 2012 deadline.

Shin noted that the maternal and child mortality ratio in Vietnam is much lower than in other countries having similar economic conditions. The life expectancy of the Vietnamese people has increased considerably, reaching 73-74 years at present.  

However, he said one of the challenges for Vietnam is that the residents need higher quality healthcare services. To this end, the country needs to integrate all-people health insurance into its socio-economic development plans.

Currently, nearly 65 percent of the Vietnamese people have access to health insurance services, and the country aims to raise the figure to 90-95 percent in the coming years.

The World Health Organisation will cooperate closely with the country to meet this objective, said Shin.

Shin has been in Hanoi for the 63^rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific from September 24-28.

VOV online