On November 19, 2023, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Young Physicians Association (VYPA) and AstraZeneca Vietnam hosted a launch ceremony of the “Health Innovation Network” and kick-start the first program under the Network scope called “Digital Lung Health.”
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Mr. Bui Quang Huy – Alternate member of the Party Central Committee, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, PhD.Dr. Ha Anh Duc – Chairman of the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, Ms. Emily Hamblin – Consul General of the United Kingdom in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nitin Kapoor – Chairman and General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, leaders from the city departments and units, representatives of hospitals and healthcare facilities, doctors and nurses, members of the VYPA, and the city residents.
With the approval of the Ministry of Health, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union, the “Health Innovation Network” has been jointly developed by the Vietnam Young Physicians Association and AstraZeneca Vietnam. The “Health Innovation Network” is a collective effort of individuals and healthcare organizations, contributing intellectual resources and expertise, to effectively harness the advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in the areas of healthcare protection, care, and improvement of people’s health. The program is coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City Society of Asthma – Allergy – Clinical Immunology (HSAACI)
At the launch ceremony, “Lung cancer and other lung diseases have emerged as prominent global causes of mortality. Nevertheless, when identified in its early stages, the prospects for effective treatment are significantly improved. Consequently, this screening program assumes paramount importance as it is not only crucial but also indispensable”, stated Dr. Ha Anh Duc, Chairman of VYPA.
Mr. Nitin Kapoor, Chairman and General Director of AstraZeneca also shared, “As a global biopharmaceutical company, we always strive to ensure that every individual has equitable and affordable access to the life-changing healthcare solutions they need, regardless of where they live. Today, witnessing the successful launch of the “Health Innovation Network”, I believe we are progressing in the right direction towards the realization of a sustainable, innovative, and highly efficient healthcare system that will brings significant benefits to the people”.
Vietnam is one of the countries experiencing rapid population aging worldwide. The population aged 60 and above accounted for 11.9% of the total population in 2019, and by 2050, this figure is projected to exceed 25% (1). Concurrently, the country is also facing an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, which are major burdens in terms of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, alongside disease control, the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases are prioritized in Vietnam’s healthcare policies, where scientific research plays a crucial role in providing information and evidence for policy development and finding the most effective measures and interventions to address these diseases (2).
On the same day, a significant number of individuals from various age groups residing in different districts gathered at Nguyen Hue walking street in Ho Chi Minh City for a complimentary medical screening and health consultation program. The event also provided consultations on utilizing telehealth applications. Over 150 doctors from reputable hospitals were present to offer their expertise and guidance to the attended city residents.
From December 2023, the program will be expanded nationwide, targeting 5 major cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho and Thua Thien Hue. Over 60 hospitals are expected to participate with a primary focus on screening for respiratory diseases, including lung cancer for over 100.000 people.
Over the last three decades in Vietnam, AstraZeneca has run several impactful programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and healthcare partners to promote disease awareness, prevention, and early detection. Amongst them are the “Healthy Lung Programme” to improve the quality of outpatient management of asthma, COPD and lung cancer; “Young Health Programme” to prevent and reduce NCD risk behaviours amongst young people; and “CaReMe” programme to transform the cardiovascular-renal-metabolic care ecosystem; “Love your lungs” campaign to raise awareness about screening for early detection of lung cancer; and programme “Health System Sustainability and Resilience” (PHSSR) to holistically reinforce the Vietnamese health system so that it can guard against future risks.
Press release distributed by EloQ Communications