A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on February 18th between VNVC and Substipharm Biologics (Switzerland), raising hopes for the soon arrival of a hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) vaccine in Vietnam. This collaboration promises not only an effective preventative measure but also increased public awareness about this dangerous illness.
Substipharm Biologics, a member of the Substipharm Group (France), is a pharmaceutical company with 30 years of global experience in developing, supplying, and distributing high-quality medicines and vaccines in over 80 countries. Currently, Substipharm Biologics owns the Imojev vaccine for Japanese encephalitis, a vaccine that VNVC has been distributing widely in Vietnam since 2019.
High Efficacy of the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Vaccine
Research published in The Lancet demonstrates that Substipharm Biologics’ HFMD vaccine is safe and highly effective, with a protection rate of up to 96.8%. The vaccine provides long-lasting immunity and combats the disease caused by the EV71 subtype, the most dangerous pathogen. It’s recommended for children aged 2 months to under 6 years.
Mr. Hervé Profit, Senior Director of Substipharm Biologics, highlighted the collaboration with VNVC as a significant step toward bringing more high-quality vaccines to Vietnam, addressing the growing need for health protection. He expressed hope that the HFMD vaccine will soon be available in Vietnam, contributing to protecting children from the dangerous complications of the disease.
VNVC Joins the Fight Against Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Mr. Ngo Chi Dung, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of VNVC, praised the collaboration. He stated that the agreement is a significant milestone in the joint effort to introduce a new, vital vaccine to prevent the dangerous and often fatal disease that has plagued children for years.
“Currently, there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, placing a considerable burden on the healthcare system. We hope to have sufficient supply to implement widespread vaccination for children, enabling timely disease prevention,” shared Mr. Ngo Chi Dung.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Burden on Healthcare and Society
Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC, explained that HFMD is caused primarily by Coxsackie virus A16 (CA16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). EV71 can cause severe complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, circulatory collapse, and even death.
Statistics show that Vietnam’s largest HFMD outbreak in 2023 affected over 180,000 children, with numerous cases of serious complications and 31 fatalities. Children under 5 are the most vulnerable due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
Research from the U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2019 estimated the total annual cost of HFMD in Vietnam to be up to US$90.7 million. The average treatment cost for a case of HFMD is US$400, while severe cases can cost up to US$1,400.
A Future Free from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Concerns
The availability of an HFMD vaccine in Vietnam will significantly reduce the number of cases, particularly severe ones. This will not only lessen the burden on the healthcare system but also improve the quality of life for children and families. The collaboration between VNVC and Substipharm Biologics is a crucial step in the fight against HFMD, offering hope for a healthier future for Vietnamese children.
