Thousands of young Vietnamese people have been equipped with knowledge about risky behaviors and prevention of non-communicable diseases through the Young Health Programme in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca) AstraZeneca Vietnam and Plan International Vietnam recently organised a seminarto reflect on the progress and achievements of the programme in the 2019-2022period, along with their two partners the National Youth Centre and Hanoi Centre for Disease Control.
YHP is AstraZeneca’s global disease prevention programme, focusing on youngpeople aged 10 to 24 living in vulnerable environments and under-resourcedsettings around the world.
It aims to prevent the most common NCDs, such as cancer, diabetes, heartdisease, respiratory disease and mental illness.
Since its launch in 2010, the YHP has reached more than 30 countries and 40million youth with information about risky behaviours associated withNCDs.
It has gained international recognition and has won several prestigious awardsincluding the 2018 Ethical Corporation Community Investment of the Year.
With a total investment of 750,000 GBP (VNĐ20.9 billion), YHP in Vietnam hasbeen implemented in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung and Dong Anh districts.
It focuses on addressing the primary NCD risk factors of tobacco and alcoholuse, physical inactivity, poor diet and air pollution, as well as supportingthe broader health and rights of young people.
After three years of successful implementation, it has accomplished all of itskey goals and has had an important impact on the targeted populations.
Young Vietnamese people in schools, universities and industrial zones have beenequipped with knowledge through more than 1,000 creative contests, discussions,and group activities, which were carried out by 538 peer educators.
Nearly 100 training courses have been organised on knowledge ofNCDs and soft skills for young people, their parents and community leadersto improve their skills as peer educators.
Nguyen Tuong Lam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi MinhCommunist Youth Union and Standing Vice Chairman of the National Committee forYouth in Vietnam, appreciated the support of Plan International Vietnamand AstraZeneca during the last three years.
“The joint collaboration has improved the physical and mental health ofVietnamese youth”, he said.
Key content about NCD prevention has been integrated into the latest VietnamYouth Development Strategy 2021-30 and other key policy documents thanks partlyto the programme's efforts.
“The programme supports young people to raise awareness and knowledge on how toprevent NCDs such as a healthy diet, increasing physical activityand preventing alcohol consumption and smoking”, said Sharon Kane, CountryDirector of Plan International in Vietnam.
Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam and AsiaArea Frontier Markets, said the programme’s remarkable achievements not onlyhelp to improve disease awareness but also advocate for policies thatpromote lasting benefits for young people.
“Young people have the power to create a healthier, more sustainable world.Through YHP, we empower them to be their own health advocates,” he said.
The company is exploring the opportunity to continue to support the nextphase of YHP in the country.
Based in UK, AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical companythat focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization ofprescription medicines in oncology, rare diseases and biopharmaceuticals.
It operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used bymillions of patients worldwide.
Plan International is a non-governmental, non-religious, non-profitorganisation working for a brighter future for children.
It has been operating in Vietnam since 1993, with the goal of helping childrenand young people, especially disadvantaged groups and girls, so theycan grow up in a safe and secure society which respects their rights./.
VNA
