On 30/1, representatives from the three entities signed a cooperation agreement to implement the program "Strengthening Prevention, Early Detection, and Management of Stroke Risk in Vietnam" for the 2026-2030 period. The program will be implemented with a long-term, continuous, and systemic vision, disseminating the message "Proactively prevent stroke – For a healthy Vietnam". The signing ceremony reflects a commitment to collaboration between the public and private sectors in raising awareness, enhancing prevention, and applying technology to reduce the burden of stroke on the community.

Doctor Le Thai Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Prevention, stated that stroke is currently a leading cause of death and disability in Vietnam. Many risk factors are controllable if detected early and managed properly. She emphasized that strengthening prevention, especially at the grassroots and community levels, is crucial in reducing the disease burden. "The Ministry of Health highly values this public-private partnership model among the Department of Disease Prevention, Long Chau, and Bayer. It helps mobilize additional social resources and expands public access to stroke prevention, early detection, and risk management activities," Doctor Le Thai Ha said.

Doctor Le Thai Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Prevention, spoke at the event. Photo: BTC

The collaboration between Long Chau, the Department of Disease Prevention, and Bayer builds upon community-based stroke prevention, early detection, and management activities initiated by the Ministry of Health and other units in response to World Stroke Day on 29/10/2025. The signing marks a transition from alliance formation to a phase of intensive, widespread, and sustainable implementation. It focuses on specific actions that deliver practical health benefits across the nation.

At the ceremony, the three parties agreed on strategic cooperation pillars aimed at a common goal: enhancing community awareness of stroke, strengthening prevention, and ensuring early detection and effective management of risk factors. The program focuses on promoting proactive community action through early recognition of warning signs, timely response, and access to appropriate medical services as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

In a spirit of long-term cooperation, the three parties will coordinate the implementation of synchronous activities: developing and disseminating a unified information system about stroke across media platforms; promoting community health education, emphasizing risk factor management, early recognition, and proactive prevention. They will also organize regular screening programs and professional consultations to help people detect underlying medical conditions and potential health issues early. Simultaneously, the program prioritizes strengthening prevention capacity, particularly at the grassroots level, standardizing counseling, screening, and risk management. The application of information technology and digital technology will be enhanced to support communication, monitor and supervise risk factors, and facilitate research and evaluation of implementation effectiveness, forming a basis for proposing enhanced prevention solutions in each phase. The entire cooperation process centers on the public, leveraging each party's strengths and expertise.

James Alexander, Head of Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Vietnam, stated that with over 160 years of research and development in healthcare solutions, Bayer Group has implemented numerous comprehensive programs—from in-depth scientific research to community awareness campaigns. Through this partnership, Bayer is committed to working closely with its partners to devise specific, practical actions that help people proactively identify health risks, receive early diagnoses, and effectively manage underlying conditions, thereby reducing stroke risk and moving towards a healthy, fulfilling life.

James Alexander, Head of Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Vietnam, spoke at the event. Photo: BTC

Long Chau, acting as the focal point, will coordinate the development of annual implementation plans and work directly with specialized units under the Ministry of Health to co-organize, implement, and monitor program activities. Through its network of over 2,400 pharmacies, over 200 vaccination centers, and 20,000 healthcare workers nationwide, Long Chau will directly participate in healthcare, stroke risk screening and management, and disseminate information and guidance on stroke recognition and prevention to individuals.

Nguyen Bach Diep, Chairwoman of FPT Retail and General Director of Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination Center System, said that with a widespread network of pharmacies and vaccination centers spanning 34 provinces and cities, Long Chau is committed to fulfilling its role as a healthcare touchpoint that is "close to the people". It aims to raise awareness and bring healthcare programs, including stroke and chronic disease screening, closer to the community. "We anticipate that through this cooperation program, all people will access accurate scientific information quickly, receive timely screenings, and effectively manage risk factors from the initial stages of care. This will reduce severe cases, improve quality of life, and lay the groundwork for a healthy, sustainable future," Nguyen Bach Diep said.

Nguyen Bach Diep, Chairwoman of FPT Retail and General Director of Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination Center System, spoke at the event. Photo: BTC

According to 2021 data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Vietnam recorded 167 stroke-related deaths for every 100,000 people. Vietnam is also among the countries with the highest incidence rate in Southeast Asia. Medical statistics show a growing number of cases among young people. Notably, many cases are directly linked to controllable underlying risk factors such as: hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, metabolic disorders, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

A stroke consultation activity for residents of Can Tho, conducted within the framework of the three-party cooperation: Long Chau, Bayer, and the Ministry of Health. Photo: BTC

Long Chau representatives stated that by joining the healthcare sector in reducing the burden of stroke, the unit demonstrates a strong determination to address contemporary health issues. Long Chau's long-term goal is to reduce death and disability due to stroke and chronic diseases, improve public health, and remain committed to a healthy and sustainably developing Vietnam.

Previously, on 17/1, in Phu Loc commune, Can Tho (formerly Thanh Tri, Soc Trang), Long Chau medical staff, in coordination with local authorities, conducted health check-ups, ultrasounds, and cardiovascular and musculoskeletal examinations for 600 residents. The program also advised people on how to recognize and manage stroke during the "golden hour" and distributed free medicine kits, providing residents with more opportunities to proactively care for themselves and their families.

Kim Anh