First database of genomic variants for Vietnamese population announced
Vingroup Big Data Institute VinBigData announced on December 16 that it has completed the project on Database of Genomic Variants for Vietnamese Population.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vingroup Big DataInstitute VinBigData announced on December 16 that it has completed the project on Databaseof Genomic Variants for Vietnamese Population.
With over 1,000 genomes sequenced and over 40million variants discovered, the research will lay a foundation for biomedicaland precision medicine development, contributing to giving early treatment to eachVietnamese individual in the future.
The first database of its kind also has enoughannotations about biological functions and pathological risks.
Prof. Ta Thanh Van, Chairman of the Council ofHanoi Medical University, said the database will provide an invaluablereference to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment in the country.
Launched in December 2018, theproject drew the participation of over 40 scientists from leading universitiesand units worldwide as well as hundreds of experts and volunteers at home andabroad.
During three years, theysequenced genomes of over 1,000 unrelated adults aged 35-55 and discovered morethan 40 million genetic variants, nearly 2 million of them are representativeof the Vietnamese population. The process was made at a lab meeting ISO 15189standards at Vinmec International General Hospital, using advanced technologiesby Google, Illumina and NVIDIA.
Part of the database is nowavailable at //genome.vinbigdata.org.Several hi-speed analysis tools are also offered on trial there.
ཧ The pioneering projectcosts over 4.5 million USD, the largest scale in Vietnam so far./.
The Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology has revealed initial results of the Vietnamese genome decoding project after more than two years of research.
The prestigious Human Mutation Magazine has recently published a research on the Vietnamese genome. The research is the largest database ever of Vietnamese genome.
Microbiome, also referred to as the Second Genome, is a field that can be widely used for research on new drug development and treatment of incurable diseases as it can help analyze the relationship between the principle of the generation of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria and diseases.
Genetica, a genetic engineering company with patented technology from the US, has inked a cooperation deal with the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC) to develop a genome sequencing centre, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam now boasts a nationwide healthcare network with 1,665 hospitals, 384 of which are non-public, supported by local commune- and ward-level stations. At the end of 2024, hospital bed capacity reached 34 per 10,000 people, slightly above the global average.
The 56-year-old patient from Quang Tri province was discharged in stable condition as he no longer experienced shortness of breath and was able to walk, move around, and eat normally.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute, said that under the MoU, the two sides committed to promoting diverse and practical collaborative activities, including joint conferences and workshops, exchanges of scholars, researchers and students, sharing academic materials, and the development of specific programmes and projects in scientific research, training, and epidemic prevention.
TytoCare, a leading Israeli telemedicine company based in Netanya, is willing to work with Vietnamese regulators, insurers, and healthcare providers to develop a sustainable digital health ecosystem.
The partnership is under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development and implementation of the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control, signed in Hanoi on July 22.
An estimated 7 million Vietnamese are currently living with diabetes, but about 50% remain undiagnosed, a dangerous gap that is fuelling serious, preventable complications and increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
In 2024, Vietnam achieved 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, up from 80% in 2023. Immunisation coverage in the country has not only rebounded to the high levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic but has now surpassed the rates recorded in 2019.
Health authorities in HCM City have issued an urgent alert after six people died from dengue fever, amid a spike in infections driven by the onset of the rainy season.
During the peak months of July and August 2025, the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) needs at least 90,000 units of blood to supply 180 hospitals in the northern region. However, despite continuous efforts, the reserve blood is still short of 30,000 units.
The Hanoi ceremony highlighted efforts to ensure all citizens, especially women and youth, can access accurate information and healthcare services to make informed reproductive choices.
After such a long time, the law has revealed many limitations, prompting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to gather opinions to amend the law to give more chances to thousands of patients every year.
Currently, cardiovascular specialists from the 108 Military Central Hospital are working alongside a team of Prof.Dr. Jan D. Schmitto, Deputy Director of MHH’s Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery on clinical trials for MCS devices, implanted in heart failure patients either as a bridge to transplantation or as permanent treatment.
The centre not only serves residents living on the island, but also receives tens of thousands of visitors every year, according to Assoc Prof Dr Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the HCM CIty Department of Health.
Not only does Vietnam attract international tourists with its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, but it is also gradually becoming a reliable destination for medical treatment, offering high-quality services at reasonable costs.
Over the past six months, 150 communal health stations in provinces including Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Tay Ninh, Hau Giang, Ben Tre and Ca Mau have been equipped with information technology systems. In addition, 117 key provincial healthcare workers have received training, with thousands more expected to follow.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ministry of Health swiftly launched a telemedicine programme, connecting more than 1,000 medical establishments nationwide. The model, which remains in operation, has benefited tens of thousands of patients, including foreign nationals.
After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, the patient's pneumonia improved, breathing stabilised, sedation was reduced, and the breathing tube was removed. He is now conscious, able to eat orally, and in recovery.