AstraZeneca cooperates with HSAACI in training community healthcare workers

The cooperation will be implemented during 2024 and 2025, focusing on bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The signing ceremony of the MOU between AstraZeneca and HSAACI takes place with the participation and witness of the HSAACI leaders and senior leaders of AstraZeneca Vietnam and Asia on October 2. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca

The program's overarching objectives involve enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities for healthcare professionals, along with a thrust towards community education, raising public awareness about asthma and allergic diseases, encouraging individuals to proactively seek medical consultation, and facilitating early screening and treatment.

During the signing ceremony, HSAACI outlined their strategic vision for 2024 and engaged in discourse about refining society's initiatives, especially concerning community-based bronchial asthma and COPD management.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Tuyet Lan, President of HSAACI, the prevalence rate of asthma in Vietnam is 4.1%, and COPD is 4.2%, of which COPD is the third leading cause of death.

Statistics also show an increasing severity trend for these two diseases globally due to the rising number of smokers and worsening 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 HCMC, with the aim of reducing the burden on patients. To date, our ACOCU network has 248 member units nationwide, including 88 units established in collaboration with AstraZeneca Vietnam within the 'Healthy Lungs' program," Lan said.

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 well-being.

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

The forthcoming year will witness regular medical training initiatives with the core objectives of updating disease knowledge and fortifying diagnostic and treatment methodologies for HSAACI members.

First, the project is expected to update knowledge and enhance diagnostic, treatment, and management skills for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among members of the HSAACI.

Second, it will strengthen scientific activities and improving the quality of the asthma and COPD management network in existing facilities while also expanding the network to include additional healthcare establishments.

Third, the two parties will be working together in the mission of protecting and caring for asthma and COPD patients, reducing mortality rates, and aiming towards a healthier community.

Built upon the achievements from the collaboration between AstraZeneca Vietnam and the Ministry of Health's Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management within the "Healthy Lungs" program, alongside esteemed partners such as the Vietnam Respiratory Society (VNRS), Vietnam Lung Association (VILA), Vietnam Pediatric Association (VNPA), and HSAACI, this project helps reinforce AstraZeneca's commitment and enhance collaboration in alignment with the objectives set forth by the HSAACI.

The "Healthy Lungs"program is AstraZeneca's multinational initiative to improve the quality of outpatient management of asthma and COPD in 9 Asian countries. Vietnam is one of the first countries to implement this program under the leadership of the Medical Services Administration from the Ministry of Health. The program has been managing more than 170,000 patients and establishing more than 150 standard units of management for asthma and COPD (UMAC).

The HSAACI was established in 2014 under the management of the HCMC Medical Association. The society is also the organization that receives and operates the ACOCU (Asthma COPD Outpatient Care Unit) network, with 25 members of the executive committee.

It also cooperates with many other international organizations: WHO, GARD, GAAP, APSR, ERS, ATS, IPCRG, and GLI.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in oncology, rare diseases, and biopharmaceuticals, including cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic; respiratory and immunology; gastroenterology; vaccines; and immunotherapies. Based in Cambridge, U.K., AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

As a foreign-invested enterprise with over 500 employees, AstraZeneca Vietnam is investing US$310 million from 2020 to 2030 into the country with a focus on reducing the burdens of diseases, uplifting the domestic biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and developing local talents. For further information, please click here.