BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Communicable Disease Committee has approved new policies to tackle influenza, dengue fever, mpox, and hepatitis B and C, aiming to strengthen disease prevention and treatment nationwide. During its first meeting of 2025, chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, officials reviewed rising infection rates and outlined strategies to improve vaccination coverage, disease surveillance, and patient care.
Influenza cases have nearly doubled this year, with 165,333 reported infections and 14 deaths. The highest transmission rates have been recorded among young children, with outbreaks in schools, military camps, and prisons. To curb the spread, the government will increase flu vaccine procurement from 4.5 million to 6 million doses and prioritize vaccinations in six high-risk provinces, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Although dengue fever cases are declining, mortality rates remain highest among children and middle-aged adults. The committee reviewed progress on vaccine development and announced a community-based mosquito control program, set to launch in Nakhon Phanom province. Meanwhile, mpox cases have reached 873, with 13 deaths reported. New control measures include stricter screening for international travelers and a vaccination program targeting healthcare workers in vulnerable areas.
Hepatitis B and C remain major health concerns, contributing to liver disease and cancer. More than 290,000 people have tested positive for hepatitis B, but only 13% have received antiviral treatment. To close this gap, health authorities will introduce a digital tracking system called “Care-Code-Control” to monitor screening, treatment, and patient outcomes. A new platform, Hepatitis-BC-DDC, will also be integrated into the national disease surveillance network to encourage testing and improve care. (NNT)
