Statistics indicate that about 50% of patients with chronic diseases do not adhere to their prescribed treatment plans. This non-adherence significantly increases their risk of complications and necessitates hospitalization.

Conditions such as hypertension and diabetes often progress silently, presenting few clear symptoms. This subtle progression can lead patients to become complacent during their treatment. The theme for World Adherence Day 2026, "Stay on Track" (Maintain Treatment), underscores the critical importance of continuous treatment adherence for effective disease control and reduced risk of complications.

Doctor Le Van Cuong, Director of Thanh Hoa Department of Health, stated that World Adherence Day was initiated in 2025 by the World Heart Federation and other international organizations. The day aims to raise awareness among both medical professionals and patients about the vital role of sustained treatment in managing chronic conditions.

"Responding to this program through nurse training activities helps strengthen counseling capabilities and supports patients in better adhering to treatment. This is a crucial factor in improving blood pressure and blood sugar control, and reducing the risk of complications", said Doctor Le Van Cuong.

A representative from Thanh Hoa Department of Health speaks at the program's opening. Photo: Servier Vietnam

The training program in Thanh Hoa focuses on standardizing counseling skills for nurses. This includes providing guidance on medication use, nutrition, exercise, and monitoring key health indicators like blood pressure and blood sugar. Counseling content is individualized for each patient, supporting long-term treatment adherence. With the increasing number of outpatient patients, enhancing the role of nurses in counseling and health education is considered a practical solution.

This program is a continuing activity within the "Control Rate - As One" project, which aims to improve the control rate of hypertension and diabetes. Implemented locally since 2026, the project focuses on comprehensive chronic disease management at the grassroots healthcare level, thereby improving the healthcare system's capacity in this area.

Nurses participate in the training program in Thanh Hoa. Photo: Servier Vietnam

The project adopts a comprehensive approach, encompassing improved treatment quality, enhanced health education, technology application, and multidisciplinary coordination. These efforts aim to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control indicators for patients.

In addition to local training activities, programs responding to World Adherence Day are also being implemented across multiple platforms within the "First Day" ecosystem. Communication content is published on the "First Day" website, social media, "First Day" information pages, and the Elfie mobile application. This helps patients access official information about their conditions and treatment adherence. The Elfie application serves as a tool to support health monitoring and medication reminders, contributing to treatment plan maintenance.

Content on the "First Day" website platform. Photo: Servier Vietnam

Furthermore, the An Khang pharmacy chain is partnering and participating in spreading the message of treatment adherence to the community through social media communication activities and at points of sale.

The Dan