Vietnam records no new bird flu virus strains

Vietnam has to date detected no new avian flu virus strains despite its location in the Southeast Asian region’s hotspot of the diseases.
Vietnam records no new bird flu virus strains ảnh 1Spraying chemical at a bird flu outbreak (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi, (VNA)
– Vietnam has to date detected nonew avian flu virus strains despite its location in the Southeast Asianregion’s hotspot of the diseases.

According to the Department of Preventative Medicine,Vietnam is at high risks of being inflicted with new virus strains via regionaltrade and traveling activities. However, the country has yet to detect bird fluviruses A/H7N9, A/H5N2 and A/H5N8 on both human and poultry, and A/H5N8 onhuman.

To monitor developments of the diseases, the Health Ministryhas established a national avian flu virus monitoring system and two nationalcentres for avian flu virus control at the National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology and Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute. Both centres are capableof detecting a wide range of flu virus strains.

The Health Ministry has also worked with the Ministry ofAgricultural and Rural Development and international organisations to collectsamples in disease-prone areas. The ministry has also implemented its diseasecontrol and prevention plan for 2018.

Vietnam first detected the bird flu virus A/H5N1 in December2003 on both human and poultry. Several new strains of the virus, such asA/H7N9, A/H5N2 and A/H5N8, could enter the country through transportation,business and consumption of illegally imported poultry products of unclearorigin, especially in the northern border provinces.-VNA
VNA

See more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Duc Hung, Director of Viet Duc University Hospital, presents a token of appreciation in recognition of the noble gesture of the organ donor’s family. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

British teen’s organ donation saves three Vietnamese lives

A 19-year-old British tourist who died during a trip to Vietnam has saved the lives of three Vietnamese patients with end-stage organ failure, in a deeply moving act of compassion. The young woman is the first foreign national to donate organs in Vietnam.

A workshop at the One Health Summit, held in Lyon, France, from April 5 to 7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam backs global One Health commitments at Lyon summit

The MAE welcomed the French Government’s organisation of the One Health Summit, describing it as an important forum to advance global political commitments and strengthen international cooperation in preventing zoonotic diseases.

Ilustrative image (Photo: pngtree.com)

Vietnamese scientists unlock genetic insights into rare diseases

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and his research team conducted a project titled “Genetic mutation analysis in Vietnamese patients with selected rare diseases using whole-exome sequencing technology.” The project, implemented from 2022 to 2024, aims to clarify the genetic causes of these diseases within the Vietnamese population.

Health workers and residents perform mass wellness exercises, promoting healthy lifestyles in the community. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City targets modern, inclusive healthcare system

On April 5 alone, 58 hospitals and health centres conducted screening programmes across 64 wards and communes, with a focus on outlying areas. Beyond early detection, residents receive consultations, long-term health monitoring guidance, and access to specialised services locally.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, and delegates attend the programme. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Healthy lifestyles, disease prevention highlighted on national health day

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh emphasised the need for consistent and effective implementation of the resolution across the political system, with priorities including refining healthcare policies and institutions, strengthening preventive and grassroots healthcare networks, expanding population health management, promoting early detection, and improving school-based physical education and nutrition.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet (front row, fifth from left), together with delegates, participate in a walk after the launch of All People’s Health Day in Hanoi on April 5. (Photo: VNA)

All People’s Health Day promotes early disease prevention

The launch marked the first year the activity has been implemented in a coordinated manner nationwide. Members of the public were able to visit free screening areas, receive nutritional advice, participate in mass exercise performances, enjoy artistic programmes, and join a walk in response following the ceremony.

Volunteer young doctors are expected to provide free health screenings for around 10,000 residents (Photo: VNA)

Free cancer screening, health checks to benefit 10,000 people in Hanoi

Participants will receive comprehensive health checks through a streamlined one-stop process, including blood pressure measurement, height and weight assessment, BMI and cardiovascular risk evaluation, blood tests, general examinations and specialist consultations in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, ophthalmology, ENT, dentistry and oncology. Rapid blood glucose testing and biochemical screening will also be conducted to detect diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Dr Du Tuan Quy from the Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City examines a patient with hand, foot and mouth disease. (Photo: VNA)

Over 25,000 hand, foot and mouth disease cases posted in 3 months

In the first three months, more than 25,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been recorded nationwide. Of the total cases, around 18,000, or nearly 72%, were concentrated in southern provinces. The disease has primarily affected children aged between one and five.

Early cancer screening at Da Nang Hospital. (Photo: VNA)

AI boosts early detection of non-communicable diseases

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said NCDs pose a growing global challenge, accounting for over 70% of deaths worldwide, mainly from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. In Vietnam, the burden is rising rapidly, requiring urgent and sustained preventive strategies.

Most infections were reported among children under 10 years old, making up 99.3%, with those aged 1–5 accounting for the highest proportion (92.7%). (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Hand, foot and mouth cases increase five-fold in Q1

Most infections were reported among children under 10 years old, making up 99.3%, with those aged 1–5 accounting for the highest proportion (92.7%) due to close contact in kindergartens and limited hygiene practices.

From 2026, all residents in Ho Chi Minh City will receive periodic health check-ups or screening at least once a year under a roadmap. Illustrative image. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City to offer annual health check-ups for residents

In the initial phase in 2026, priority will be given to children under 24 months old, students, out-of-school minors, contracted employees, probationary workers, apprentices, public officials, members of the armed forces, social protection beneficiaries and people aged 60 and above.