Vietnam to Produce First Homegrown Next-Generation Vaccines from 2028

Vietnam is poised to commence the production of its first homegrown next-generation vaccines by 2028, a move that will involve collaboration with international partners, including Russia and France, in conducting clinical trials. A particular focus will be placed on vaccines utilizing mRNA technology, especially for cancer treatment. This strategic direction underscores Vietnam's commitment to enhancing its medical technological self-reliance and bolstering its public health infrastructure. The significance of advancements in vaccine development was highlighted by the 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize, which recognized four scientists for their groundbreaking work in the discovery and development of HPV vaccines aimed at preventing tumors caused by human papillomaviruses. The Ministry of Health has issued directives to relevant units, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring an adequate supply of vaccines, medical equipment, and essential supplies. Concurrently, it has instructed local authorities to proactively implement immunization programs across their jurisdictions. A cornerstone of Vietnam's healthcare strategy is the pursuit of universal health check-ups by 2026. This initiative is designed to establish a foundation for a modernized healthcare model. Under this new framework, every resident is expected to benefit from an electronic health record, undergo regular screenings, receive continuous health management throughout their lives, and gain access to early intervention services facilitated by primary healthcare providers. The Prime Minister has articulated that throughout the nation's development, people have consistently been viewed as the central focus, the driving force, the ultimate objective, and the most crucial resource. Sustainable and rapid development, he stressed, necessitates not only a healthy, knowledgeable, and skilled population but also a healthcare system that is modern, equitable, efficient, sustainable, and accessible. According to the municipal Department of Health, the development of gateway hospitals is a pivotal element in the city's strategy to establish a specialized regional healthcare system. This network is intended to alleviate overcrowding in major downtown hospitals and strengthen a robust inter-regional emergency care and treatment network. The Ministry of Health has also moved to clarify new border health declaration rules, set to take effect on July 1. It has stressed that these declarations will not be mandatory for all travelers and that no online declaration portal is currently operational. Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), encompassing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, represent a significant public health burden. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these conditions account for nearly 80% of all deaths in Vietnam, positioning them as one of the country's most pressing healthcare challenges. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang has commended the hospital's transition to a multi-campus model, which involves unified professional standards, governance, training, research, service culture, and digital transformation. For individuals managing chronic conditions, technological advancements are offering new solutions. For instance, a newly developed sensor allows people living with diabetes to view their glucose readings and receive automatic alerts when their glucose levels become dangerously low or high. In terms of environmental health, heatwaves are currently affecting numerous localities nationwide, with temperatures frequently ranging from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, and even exceeding these levels in some areas. The revised national program on elderly care aims to ensure that by 2030, 90% of communes, wards, and special zones will have at least one elderly care club and a corresponding volunteer care team. In a testament to advanced medical capabilities, an infant, critically ill after more than three months of intensive treatment and specialized neonatal care, was discharged from the hospital in stable condition on June 22. The success in treating complex cases is highlighted by incidents like the one at Hong Ngoc General Hospital, emphasizing the critical role of advanced diagnostics and multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly for long-standing conditions that may be misdiagnosed or remain unresolved. International cooperation in medical education and research continues to flourish. Vietnam’s 108 Military Central Hospital and Japan’s Toho University Graduate School of Medicine are actively promoting faculty and student exchange programs, joint scientific research, academic conferences, and the sharing of advanced medical knowledge and technologies. Public health officials are also observing shifts in disease patterns. Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of the ministry's Administration of Disease Prevention, noted that dengue fever is no longer following its traditional epidemiological trends. In 2025, infections remained elevated through November and December, rather than declining at the end of the year as previously observed, indicating a shortening outbreak cycle. In a significant achievement in organ transplantation, Hue Central Hospital successfully performed six transplant procedures using organs and tissues donated by a brain-dead donor. These included one heart, one liver, two kidney, and two corneal transplants. All recipients have since recovered well and been discharged. These breakthroughs are expected to support diabetes prevention and treatment, while also opening up broader biomedical applications. FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City has received international recognition, being named in the Best Specialized Hospitals Asia-Pacific 2026 ranking published by Newsweek in partnership with global data research firm Statista. One of the key priorities outlined in a recent resolution is the continued improvement of healthcare services, with a central focus on patient well-being. This includes enhancing grassroots healthcare capacity and accelerating digital transformation within the sector. In a demonstration of dedicated medical care, Mr. David Schmidt, a German tourist critically ill with septic shock and multiple organ failure, received intensive treatment for 15 days from doctors at a Vietnamese hospital, despite having no family members present. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.