A representative from Abbott stated that women's health is fundamental to the family and a key indicator of societal development. When equipped with knowledge and empowered to proactively manage their health, women can live healthy, confident, and fulfilling lives at every stage. However, the journey of women's healthcare in Vietnam faces many challenges.

According to information presented at the inaugural congress of the Vietnam Menopause Women's Health Association on 9/11 in Hanoi, there are currently about 13 million women in perimenopause and menopause, with an annual increase of approximately 200,000 individuals. Among them, around 20% experience disorders requiring medical intervention, yet many women silently endure this phase due to a lack of information and reluctance to seek examinations.

The Ministry of Health also noted that 90% of Vietnamese women of reproductive age have experienced gynecological conditions, with new cases increasing by 15-27% annually and a clear trend of affecting younger demographics. Non-communicable diseases, such as gestational diabetes, are also on the rise. A lack of scientific knowledge and reluctance to seek care lead many women to miss opportunities for early detection of serious illnesses, negatively impacting their health and quality of life.

In reality, many women in Vietnam are still hesitant about undergoing regular gynecological examinations or early screening for reproductive health conditions. Meanwhile, conditions such as endometriosis, hormonal disorders, and other gynecological diseases are becoming increasingly common, and late detection can have long-term health consequences.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among the community, healthcare sector, businesses, and families. This collective effort can improve healthcare quality and empower women to proactively protect and manage their health.

Abbott's manufacturing plant in Ireland. Photo: Hau Nguyen

Among these efforts, Abbott, with over 135 years of global history and three decades of presence in Vietnam, stands as a key partner in the healthcare sector for advancing women's health. Recently, the company collaborated with the Ministry of Health to help develop and disseminate the first National Guidelines for the prevention and management of gestational diabetes. These guidelines focus on screening, early diagnosis, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications for pregnant women, representing a significant step in reducing disease incidence and limiting dangerous complications for both mother and baby.

Concurrently, Abbott implements large-scale training programs, scientific workshops, and professional forums in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (VAGO) and other healthcare partners. The Women’s Health Summit series, held last April in TP HCM, Hanoi, and Da Nang, attracted over 3,000 doctors and healthcare professionals. These summits focused on in-depth discussions and clinical knowledge updates on menopause and endometriosis, aiming to promote comprehensive women's healthcare.

Healthcare professionals attended the Women’s Health Summit organized by Abbott last April. Photo: Hau Nguyen

Abbott also consistently collaborates with partners through professional conferences, such as the Vietnam-France - Asia-Pacific Obstetrics and Gynecology Conference (VFAP), the National Obstetrics and Gynecology Conference, and annual conferences at leading hospitals. These collaborations contribute to enhancing the professional capacity of thousands of healthcare specialists nationwide.

As a global healthcare company, Abbott continuously introduces advanced scientific and technological solutions to Vietnam. These include the a:care digital platform, which provides official and reliable medical information, and the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system, which effectively manages diabetes.

The company also partners with the Vietnam Women's Union and local healthcare organizations to implement community education activities nationwide, focusing on reproductive health, nutrition, and medical knowledge.

These recent initiatives have delivered practical value, helping healthcare professionals enhance their expertise while creating a positive impact on communities by raising awareness and encouraging women to proactively manage their health.

Douglas Kuo, Vice President and General Manager of Abbott Vietnam, stated on the occasion of Abbott's 30th anniversary in Vietnam: "We are committed to contributing to the improvement of healthcare quality through technology and initiatives, aiming to build a healthier and more sustainable future for the people of Vietnam."

Accordingly, the company will continue to collaborate with local authorities, partners, and stakeholders to enhance access to healthcare services and comprehensive health support for Vietnamese women, "for a healthier and more fulfilling future."

Kim Anh