Hanoi (VNA) - The Japan – Vietnam relationship is nearing its 50th anniversary. The two countries have become strategic partners for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world at large cooperation projects.
Those in the medical field are key, and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam hopes the bilateral cooperation in healthcare will be strengthened further.
So said Ito Naoki, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, while addressing a seminar on gene health and diseases held in Hanoi on September 26.
According to the diplomat, over the past years, the Japanese government has approved many ODA projects on technical assistance, human resources training, providing medical equipment, and building hospitals to aid Vietnam’s medical system to develop.
He added that along with the work by the two governments, the involvement of Japanese private firms also has a role to play in the development of medical cooperation between the two countries.
Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Director of the Science – Technology and Training Department under the Ministry of Health, said the Vietnam – Japan medical cooperation is a testament to the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries. He added that outcomes of research and invention by Japanese scientists have been studied and applied in the care for the people’s health.
Quang said gene technology is an important part in Vietnam’s strategy on the development of science and technology to 2030.
At the event, Professor Shigeo Horie, Chairman of the Japanese association against ageing, said many diseases like cancers and cardiovascular problems are associated to ageing, and most of the patients develop the diseases when they are 50 or older.
If high-risk people do not change their lifestyle, the risk of disease can be three times that of normal people. This is why the results of gene decoding can help accurately determine the biological age, on the basis of which diseases can be predicted at an early date.
The gene decoding technology is owned by Revita company and researched by Professor Shigeo Horie and his associates. This is a basis for the prediction and the planning of healthcare in an accurate way.
After the results of the gene decoding are made available, patients will get in-depth consultation which will help them build their own healthcare plans through exercise and diet to prevent cancer, reduce the risk of strokes and chronic diseases, thus enabling them to enjoy a healthy future and extending their life.
Medical experts held that instead of proactive prevention of diseases, most Vietnamese simply respond once ill. If they take regular health checks, they can detect diseases at an early date, thus addressing health conditions early and easing the burden of healthcare expenditures./.
