Vietnam Fosters Vaccine Manufacturing Localization

Vietnam is actively promoting the localization of vaccine manufacturing to enhance its domestic production capabilities. This initiative serves a dual purpose: improving healthcare services for its citizens and contributing to the international community. The supply of vaccines to the Philippines demonstrates confidence in Vietnamese-made vaccines. Furthermore, the approval of a vaccine in Indonesia elevates the international recognition of Vietnam's pharmaceutical technology. Domestically, technology transfer agreements, such as the one with Sanofi, are expected to enable the production of several key Sanofi vaccines within Vietnam. This shift aims to move away from import dependency and establish a more rapid and stable supply system. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to strengthen human resource development and quality management, reflecting a long-term vision for healthcare infrastructure enhancement. The Vietnamese Communist Party and government consistently regard people as the "center, driving force, objective, and most important resource" in the nation's development process. They recognize that sustainable and rapid development requires not only a healthy, knowledgeable, and skilled population but also a modern, equitable, efficient, sustainable, and accessible healthcare system. The World Health Organization's (WHO) report that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly 80% of deaths in Vietnam underscores the severity of domestic healthcare challenges. Achieving universal health check-ups by 2026 will lay the foundation for a new healthcare model, enabling electronic health records, regular screenings, lifelong health management, and early intervention through primary healthcare services. Moreover, Vietnam is keen on adopting advanced medical technologies. FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City's recognition among the "Best Specialized Hospitals in Asia-Pacific" validates the improvements in healthcare services. Medical cooperation with Japan is also progressing, with 108 Military Central Hospital and Toho University Graduate School of Medicine collaborating on faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and academic conferences to share advanced medical knowledge and technologies. The evolving patterns of dengue fever outbreaks and successful organ transplant cases highlight the challenges faced by Vietnam's healthcare sector and its capacity to overcome them with technological advancements and effective responses. These endeavors underscore Vietnam's commitment, within its one-party system, to prioritize public health and welfare, striving for self-sufficiency and advancement in the healthcare sector alongside economic growth. Particularly in the context of complex relations with China, strengthening domestic healthcare infrastructure is considered an indispensable element for national security and the stability of its citizens' lives. Source: VietnamPlus English