The power of partnerships in advancing health goals in Viet Nam is the overarching message being conveyed through this week’s visit to Viet Nam by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, his second official mission to the country since May 2024.
At the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long – Photo: WHO
On the agenda are high-level meetings with key Government leaders including Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Le Thanh Long, Minister of Health Ms Dao Hong Lan and Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Social Affairs and Culture Mr Nguyen Dac Vinh, as well as United Nations officials, ambassadors, and health and development partners.
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala and colleagues from the WHO Viet Nam Office at the meeting with Mr. Nguyen Dac Vinh, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Society – Photo: WHO
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said, “Since gaining independence 80 years ago, Viet Nam has made huge progress in improving the health of our people, a key factor in our well-being and development. We are proud to also mark nearly 50 years of close and effective cooperation with WHO. Viet Nam is delighted to welcome Dr Piukala again, and to actively share our experiences, expertise and achievements through multilateral collaboration.”
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala at the meeting with Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan. During the meeting, he also presented the 2025 World No Tobacco Day Award to the Minister – Photo: WHO
Dr Piukala said he was delighted to return to Viet Nam just before the 2 September National Independence celebrations.
“This is a historic time for Viet Nam. Not only is the country looking back on 80 years of remarkable health progress, it has ambitious health targets for the coming decades, including providing free essential health services to the whole population. The Government’s vision and leadership in health – including through investing in primary health care at the grassroots, strengthening the delivery of quality health services and introducing strong policies to tackle non-communicable diseases such as tobacco-related illness – will benefit people and communities, and support the country's aspiration of achieving high-income country status by 2045,” he noted.
During his visit, Dr Piukala will address a high-level forum hosted by the Ministry of Health and WHO Viet Nam where international best practice to optimise primary health care will be shared; visit a commune health station in Phu Tho Province; and spend time in a general hospital in Nghe An Province that has boosted climate-resilience and environmental sustainability with WHO support.
For almost 50 years, WHO has supported the Government of Viet Nam’s efforts to protect health and save lives.
”Viet Nam has so many valuable lessons to share with our other 37 Western Pacific Region Member States and areas, and indeed with the world, including an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, and reform of primary health care at the grassroots level.” Dr Piukala said. “We at WHO will continue to be Viet Nam’s steadfast partner in capitalising on these gains and also working together to strengthen other essential areas including climate change and health, and ongoing health security response and preparedness.”