HÀ NỘI — Health experts have warned that the growing number of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases in Việt Nam could carry not only serious health consequences but also economic costs, particularly due to its rapid progression, high mortality rate and long-term disabilities among survivors.

At a symposium held by the Việt Nam Association of Preventive Medicine, with technical support from GSK Việt Nam, specialists called for stronger investment in preventive healthcare as the most cost-effective solution to mitigate the burden of meningococcal disease, especially among high-risk groups such as children under five and adolescents.

IMD, though uncommon, can be fatal within 24 hours if untreated, with a mortality rate of up to 50 per cent. Around 20 per cent of survivors face lifelong complications such as hearing loss, neurological disorders or limb amputations - conditions that impose lasting economic pressure on families and the healthcare system.

Associate Prof Dr Phạm Quang Thái, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), said the disease’s social and economic toll is often underestimated.

“Many survivors require long-term rehabilitation and medical support, leading to productivity losses and increased healthcare costs,” he said.

According to the NIHE, from July 2016 to September 2025, meningococcal cases have increased significantly. As of mid-September 2025, Việt Nam recorded 38 confirmed cases, with the northern region reporting a 45 per cent rise and the south an 83 per cent increase compared to 2024.

Economists estimate that the cost of treatment for a severe meningococcal case can be several times higher than the cost of vaccination. In addition to direct medical expenses, the indirect costs - such as loss of income, schooling interruption, and long-term disability — place a burden on households and the wider economy.

Associat Prof Dr Cao Hữu Nghĩa, Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Pasteur Institute in HCM City, said adolescents aged 15–24 are a key group for prevention.

“This age group not only faces a higher risk of infection but also plays a critical role in labour and education. Protecting them means protecting future workforce productivity,” he said.

In Việt Nam, meningococcal disease tends to appear in colder seasons and in crowded environments such as dormitories, schools and industrial zones. The risk is higher among people living in close quarters, a factor that can affect labour-intensive sectors.

The symposium was held ahead of World Meningitis Day in October, with this year’s global theme 'Now is the Time for Action' calling for coordinated measures to eliminate meningitis, including meningococcal disease, by 2030.

Associate Prof Dr Trần Đắc Phu, Vice Chairman of the Việt Nam Association of Preventive Medicine, said expanding vaccine coverage is both a health and economic priority.

“Studies indicate that over 90 per cent of IMD cases in Việt Nam are caused by serogroup B (MenB)," he said.

"Comprehensive immunisation can help prevent outbreaks and reduce the long-term healthcare burden.”

Health experts say early investment in vaccines and preventive programmes can yield significant economic returns by reducing hospitalisations, improving productivity and minimising the long-term costs of care. — VNS