Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and France are seeking to deepen cooperation in scientific research on infectious diseases, particularly emerging and re-emerging threats, as part of broader efforts to strengthen global health security.
Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong recently held a working session with Professor Yazdan Yazdanpanah, Director of the French National Agency for Research on Emerging Infectious Diseases (ANRS MIE), to review ongoing collaboration and discuss future directions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of ANRS MIE in Vietnam and the Embassy of France in Vietnam.
During the discussions, both sides explored expanding ANRS MIE’s research scope to include emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, while reviewing the outcomes of scientific cooperation between the agency and Vietnamese medical institutions and universities in recent years.
Particular attention was given to maintaining and enhancing joint research programmes with Vietnamese partners, especially Hanoi Medical University and Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Huong spoke highly of the effective collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and ANRS MIE over many years, particularly in research and prevention of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and other infectious diseases. She noted that joint programmes have significantly contributed to improving scientific research capacity, training human resources and strengthening laboratory systems and healthcare facilities in Vietnam.
In the context of increasingly complex global health challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases, she stressed that enhanced international cooperation in scientific research is crucial. Such research not only improves understanding of epidemiology and disease control measures but also provides evidence for policymaking and professional guidelines in preventive healthcare.
Professor Yazdanpanah highlighted ANRS MIE as a leading organisation in funding and conducting research on infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and emerging infections. He praised the achievements of cooperation with Vietnamese partners over more than two decades and expressed a desire to expand collaboration into new research areas aligned with current global health priorities.
Both sides discussed strengthening the cooperation framework between the Ministry of Health and ANRS MIE to facilitate future research initiatives. Priority areas include studies on HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases, and generating scientific evidence for policy development and technical guidance.
They also agreed to boost training and capacity-building for healthcare workers and medical students in Vietnam, including specialised training in infectious diseases to support the preventive healthcare system.
In addition, successful research models implemented in localities such as Hai Phong are expected to be expanded nationwide and potentially across the region.
At the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Vietnam–France cooperation in healthcare, contributing to enhanced research capacity and more effective responses to infectious diseases in the future.
Scientific Days of the ANRS MIE Vietnam Partner Site took place on March 10 and 11 in Hanoi. The event featured sessions addressing issues relating to dengue vaccination, ongoing clinical studies, new treatments, COVID-19, new respiratory viruses, avian influenza, phleboviruses in Laos, and yellow fever in Asia.
A roundtable on One Health was held within the framework of the event, highlighting the importance of communication, collaboration, data sharing, and stronger regional cooperation./.
