The series of events began in february. Over 500 women in Ho Chi Minh City accessed rapid test kits for early detection of hpv-related cervical cancer risk. Doctors provided detailed consultations for those with warning results, guiding them to healthcare facilities for specialized screening and comprehensive health assessment.
Organizers highlighted that the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes papillomas in humans, primarily transmitted through sexual contact, skin, or mucous membranes. World Health Organization (WHO) statistics indicate that approximately 99% of cervical cancer cases show the presence of HPV. Annually, over 6,000 women in Vietnam are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 9 people die from this disease every day.
According to the WHO, HPV also causes a range of other cancers, including those of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, as well as genital warts. These conditions directly impact patients' physical and psychological health, and their quality of life.
 |
The screening and consultation events with doctors attracted public interest. According to health experts, early screening helps individuals proactively prevent and manage their health, and develop appropriate treatment plans. Photo: LC.
HPV is considered a "silent threat" because most viral infections show no clear symptoms. An estimated 80% of women are infected with this virus once in their lifetime without knowing it, according to the WHO. This context highlights the urgent need to raise public awareness for proactive HPV prevention and expand early screening programs, particularly among women of reproductive age.
Based on this reality, Long Chau's free HPV screening program is being implemented at pharmacies and vaccination centers nationwide. According to organizers, the Accufast L1/E7 rapid test kit is positioned as an initial screening solution that can identify early risk factors for infection with HPV strains that can lead to cervical cancer. Specifically, the test kit can detect the presence of L1 protein (associated with high-risk strains such as 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) and E7 (specific to strains 16, 18).
"With a user-friendly test kit design and simple operation, users can proactively self-test at home, which helps remove barriers related to time and psychological concerns," a company representative stated.
 |
The Accufast L1/E7 rapid test kit helps users identify early risks of contracting HPV strains. Photo: LC.
Through the screening program, the Long Chau team hopes to create a sustainable, private, and female-friendly healthcare environment. They also aim to disseminate accurate medical information and raise awareness about proactive regular screening and disease prevention through vaccination.
Speaking with VnExpress, Long Chau cited data from the Ministry of Health: approximately 28% of Vietnamese women aged 30-49 have accessed cervical cancer screening. This figure remains modest compared to the World Health Organization's (WHO) global strategy target of 70% of women under 35 being screened by 2030, which aims to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination is also an important current measure.
The series of screening events represents a consistent step for Long Chau in its journey to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, with a vision centered on disease prevention. Its network of over 2,400 pharmacies and 200 vaccination centers nationwide serves as the first healthcare touchpoints, connecting people with healthcare solutions and services.
 |
Vaccination is a crucial pillar in reducing the risk of infection and the burden caused by HPV. Photo: LC.
Promoting early HPV detection and prevention is also how Long Chau responds to the spirit of Resolution 72-NQ/TW from the Politburo and Resolution 282/NQ-CP from the Government, joining hands to address contemporary health challenges "for a healthier Vietnam".
Dong Ve
