Vietnam and US Launch 5-Year Health Cooperation

Vietnam and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on health cooperation for a period of five years, aimed at promoting collaboration in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. This initiative will support Vietnam in strengthening its capacity to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, gradually enhancing its self-reliance in these programs. The signing took place within the framework of the Global Health Strategy of the administration of President Donald Trump. This cooperation is considered important as both countries work towards building resilient and adaptable health systems capable of responding to epidemic threats. According to the US Embassy, strengthening domestic resources and improving self-reliance are key directions identified by Vietnam in its Law on Disease Prevention, Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, and the National Target Program on Health Care, Population, and Development. In coordination with the US Congress, the US government plans to provide nearly $100 million in global health assistance to save lives and support the implementation of new cooperation initiatives. Since 2004, the total value of US health assistance to Vietnam has exceeded $930 million. The US Embassy emphasized the significance of a co-investment model in ensuring that the achievements made through decades of US support are sustainably received, maintained, and further developed by Vietnamese healthcare facilities. Both nations also recognize that a healthy population is essential for Vietnam to achieve its economic development goals, thereby contributing to deepening economic and security cooperation within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States. Over the past two decades, Vietnam and the United States have implemented numerous cooperative activities aimed at preventing and controlling infectious diseases, saving lives, and strengthening the healthcare system.