Non-communicable diseases – leading cause of death in Vietnam
The Vietnam Medicine Association and the Ministry of Health raised the fact that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now a leading cause of death in Vietnam at the sixth National Scientific Conference in Hanoi on November 21.
A medical worker gives examination to a man suffering from a stroke (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Medicine Associationand the Ministry of Health raised the fact that non-communicable diseases(NCDs) are now a leading cause of death in Vietnam at the sixth NationalScientific Conference in Hanoi on November 21.
Participants in the event focused oncardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine – diabetes, and nutrition.
Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said NCDsare a major cause of death and place disease and socio-economic burdens onVietnam. To curb NCDs, the country issued a strategy for NCDs prevention andcontrol and a national strategy for preventing cancer, cardiovascular diseases,diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease, bronchial asthma and other NCDs for2011-2015.
However, the rate of NCDs is still risingbecause of environmental pollution, urbanisation and unhealthy lifestyle, shenoted.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Thi Xuyen, Chairwoman ofthe Vietnam Medicine Association said in recent years, the country has beenfaced a growing burden of diseases and death caused by NCDs.
NCDs are currently a leading cause of death in Vietnam, Xuyen said, noting thatseven of 10 deaths are caused by NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes,cancer and chronic lung disease.
The country records about 12 million people withhigh blood pressure, nearly 3 million with diabetes, two million with heart andchronic lung diseases, and nearly 120,000 people with cancer every year,accounting for two-thirds of total disease burden. NCDs cause 73 percent of alldeaths each year, and up to 40 percent of the deaths are before the age of 70.
She noted although the health sector has madeefforts to control NCDs, they are still growing at an alarming rate. Sheattributed the fact to people’s low awareness of disease prevention.
About 45 percent of men in the country smoke,and 77 percent of the population drink alcohol. Vietnamese people’s salt intakestill doubles the WHO’s recommended level. Meanwhile, the rate of persons withhigh blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular risks who are detected andreceive treatment remains low, Xuyen added.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs are a big economicburden at present. They are forecast to result in total loss of 47 trillion USDaround the world in the next two decades. -VNA
Approximately 12 million Vietnamese adults, or about one of every 5 people, suffer from high blood pressure, said Deputy Director of the General Department of Preventive Medicine Truong Dinh Bac.
The Vietnamese Government should intervene to reduce the rate of caesarean section deliveries, which has been rising in the country, an international expert has said.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A medical worker gives examination to a man suffering from a stroke (Photo: VNA) 
