AstraZeneca Vietnam and HSAACI enter cooperation agreement

The agreement marks a significant milestone in healthcare collaboration with its particular focus on bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and further solidifies the extensive relationship between AstraZeneca Vietnam and the HSAACI. The organisations have been pivotal in updating and magnifying the impact of asthma and COPD treatments, resulting in pronounced contributions to community healthcare.

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

The HSAACI outlined their strategic vision for 2024 during the signing ceremony and engaged in discourse about refining its initiatives, especially those that concern community-based bronchial asthma and COPD management.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thi Tuyet Lan, the prevalence rate of Asthma in Vietnam is 4.1 per cent and COPD1 is 4.2 per cent, making COPD the third-leading cause of death.

“Statistics also show a global trend of increasing severity for these two diseases due to the rising number of smokers and environmental pollution, posing a significant challenge to our healthcare industry. I have been aware of the risks associated with these disease groups since the 2000s, and so I proposed the establishment of the ACOCU (Asthma COPD Outpatient Care Unit) at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City," said Lan.

"The ACOCU network now has 248 member units nationwide, including 88 units established in collaboration with AstraZeneca Vietnam," she added.

In acknowledgment, the HSAACI expressed a profound appreciation for AstraZeneca Vietnam's consistent support over the years and spoke of their hopes of continued collaboration.

Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam said, "AstraZeneca remains unwavering in its commitment to augmenting healthcare accessibility, refining healthcare professionals' prowess, and uplifting community wellbeing. 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, symbolising our long-term commitment to advancements in the management and treatment of asthma and COPD for of the people of Vietnam,” Kapoor added.

The next 12 months will witness regular medical training initiatives with the core objectives of updating knowledge of the disease and fortifying diagnostic and treatment methodologies for HSAACI members, and the latest training on diagnostic treatment and management skills for asthma and COPD, while also expanding the network to include additional healthcare establishments.

Building upon a prior collaboration between AstraZeneca Vietnam and the Ministry of Health with the 'Healthy Lungs' initiative, alongside esteemed partners such as the Vietnam Respiratory Society, the Vietnam Lung Association, and the Vietnam Paediatric Association, this agreement helps reinforce AstraZeneca's commitment to the objectives set forth by the HSAACI.

AstraZeneca has taken its long-term partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health to the next level for a resilient and healthy local population.

AstraZeneca Vietnam has received the British Chamber of Commerce's (BritCham) first-ever 50th Anniversary Recognition award for the company's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its profound impact on Vietnam's healthcare sector.

AstraZeneca showcased its lung cancer portfolio and pipeline work at the 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) that was held in Singapore from September 9 to 12.