Philips Vietnam sponsors Red River Run to help reduce neonatal mortality

The 300km non-stop relay run from the Hanoi Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital to the Lao Cai Obstetrics Hospital and Newborn Unit in Lao Cai Province aimed to raise funds for preventing neonatal mortality in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, 17,000 newborns reportedly die every year within the first 28 days after birth, accounting for 52 percent of total infant deaths below the age of 5.

Disparity in healthcare access, resource constraintsand lack of trained specialists have been identified as key factors in the poor outcome of neonatal care in Vietnam.

Representatives of Hanoi’sDepartment of Health and the Hanoi Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital with a representative of Philips Vietnam, title sponsor of the Red River Run.

Recognizing the alignment of its social welfare goals with the organizer Newborns Vietnam’s target to improve access to healthcare in underserved communities to 400 million people a year by 2030, as well as its aim to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health through innovations, Philips Vietnam joined the Red River Run as its title sponsor.

Hugo Luik, country manager of Philips Vietnam, who joined the run as part of the relay teams, said: "We take the issue of infant deaths seriously as we strongly believe that mothers and infants deserve the best care possible before, during, and after birth. We are proud to work with Newborns Vietnam and be part of their cause to provide good, safe and consistent care for mothers and children who need it most."

Around 900 runners joined the Red River Run to raise funds for the health of newborns.

The event began with a 3km fun run around the Chua Lang area in Hanoi’s Dong Da District with the participation of Henk Siebren de Jong, chief of international markets, Royal Philips, and 750 doctors and nurses.

The fun run was organized to show support for the three Red River Runners, Marieke Dekkers, Grant Bowdrey and Rob West, who set out on the 300km run on April 22.

The funds raised by the event will go to various initiatives including neonatal care programs at nine hospitals in Hanoi and lifesaving equipment for the Lao Cai Obstetrics Hospital and its Newborns Unit.

Associate Professor Nguyen Duy Anh, director of the Hanoi Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, presents a token of the hospital’s appreciation to Royal Philips, title sponsor of the Red River Run.