The AstraZeneca Vietnam Company and the Society of Asthma, Allergy & Clinical Immunology of Ho Chi Minh City (HSAACI) signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation memorandum on October 2 that aims to enhance the capabilities of medical and community healthcare workers in managing and treating respiratory diseases, with a particular focus on bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from 2024 to 2025.

The program’s overarching objectives involve enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities for healthcare professionals, along with a robust thrust towards community education. These efforts contribute to raising public awareness about asthma and allergic diseases, encouraging individuals to proactively seek medical advice, and facilitating early detection and treatment.

According to Associate Professor Le Thi Tuyet Lan, the prevalence of asthma in Vietnam is 4.1 per cent and COPD is 4.2 per cent. COPD is the third-highest leading cause of death in the country. Figures also show increasing severity in these two ailments globally due to the rising number of smokers and environmental pollution. This poses a significant challenge to the healthcare industry.

“Since the 2000s, I have recognized the risks associated with these disease groups and proposed the establishment of the ACOCU (Asthma COPD Outpatient Care Unit) at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, with the aim of reducing the burden on patients,” Associate Professor Lan said. “Our ACOCU network has 248 member units nationwide, including 88 units established in cooperation with AstraZeneca Vietnam under the Healthy Lung program.” HSAACI expressed its profound appreciation for AstraZeneca Vietnam’s consistent support over the years and voiced its anticipation of continued cooperation.

For his part, Mr. Nitin Kapoor, Chairman and General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, elaborated further on the company’s ethos, which is to remain unwavering in its commitment to augmenting healthcare accessibility, refining healthcare professionals’ prowess, and uplifting community well-being. By doing so, the resilience of the healthcare system is fortified. The utmost significance is placed on providing care and support to patients with asthma and COPD.

“I firmly believe that this comprehensive strategic partnership will serve as a significant milestone, symbolizing our long-term commitment and strengthened cooperation towards advancements in the management and treatment of asthma and COPD, benefiting the people of Vietnam,” he said.

Within the framework of the cooperative arrangement, the year ahead will witness regular medical training initiatives with the core objectives of updating disease knowledge and fortifying diagnostic and treatment methodologies for HSAACI members.

Over the last three decades in Vietnam, AstraZeneca has run several impactful programs in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and healthcare partners to promote disease awareness, prevention, and early detection. As a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) with over 500 employees, AstraZeneca Vietnam is investing $310 million from 2020 to 2030 into the country, with a focus on reducing the burden of disease, uplifting domestic biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and developing local talent.