The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised Vietnam's vaccinemanagement system as an internationally standardised one and is expectedto officially present a certificate to Vietnam on June 22.

TruongQuoc Cuong, Director of the Ministry of Health's Drug Administration ofVietnam (DAV), shared the news at a press conference on June 19.

Cuongsaid the recognition demonstrated that made-in-Vietnam vaccines were onpar with those available around the world. It would also open a windowof opportunity for the country's vaccine industry to grow towards exportactivities.

Vietnam makes 10 out of the 12 vaccines used in thenational vaccination programme, which provides vaccinations for 1.7million newborns annually.

Domestic producers make vaccines fororders placed by the State and have their vaccines' selling prices fixedby the State. This explains why the price of domestically made vaccinesis usually only one-third of what imported vaccines cost.

However,domestic vaccine makers enjoy preferential treatment from the State,such as bank loans with annual interest rates as low was 2 – 3 percent.

DAVDirector Cuong told the press conference that the official upgrading ofVietnam's vaccine industry was a big step forward, promoting bothdomestic and export production.

Vietnam currently exports choleravaccines to Timor-Leste, Hepatitis B to the Republic of Korea,Hepatitis C to the Philippines and the measles vaccine to Malaysia.

A number of international organisations, including UNICEF, have reportedly placed orders for vaccines from Vietnam.

The WHO's recognition is reviewed every three years.-VNA