Long Chau's vaccination system launched the "Manhood is Proactive" campaign. This initiative aims to combat complacency and limited information on HPV prevention, raising community awareness about this health risk. The program receives support from U23 Vietnam players: captain and midfielder Khuat Van Khang, striker Dinh Bac, and goalkeeper Trung Kien.

Long Chau advises Dinh Bac on high-risk HPV strains and the importance of early prevention in men. *Photo: LC*

A representative of the organizing committee stated that the three key football positions highlight three aspects of modern health thinking. Specifically, striker Dinh Bac represents assertiveness and proactive goal-scoring, correlating with actively embracing health protection solutions. Midfielder Khuat Van Khang offers a comprehensive perspective as a captain, with the view that "vaccination is a tactical vision for a stable future".

In the final third of the field, "Spider-Man" Trung Kien acts as the last line of defense. He emphasizes the perspective that "vaccination is a 'protective shield', determined not to let HPV 'slip through the net', impacting both health and quality of life".

Through the image of "football warriors" Khuat Van Khang, Dinh Bac, and Trung Kien, Long Chau's representative conveyed the message: "HPV vaccination not only protects oneself but is also an act of caring for loved ones. It is also a way to demonstrate modern, responsible male assertiveness – choosing a proactive approach to mitigate risks right from the start".

Khuat Van Khang, U23 Vietnam captain, believes that proactively researching and getting vaccinated against HPV for one's own health and that of loved ones is a way to demonstrate male assertiveness. *Photo: LC*

A Long Chau representative explained that HPV is not solely a women's issue. A study by US authors Chesson HW, Dunne EF, Hariri S, and Markowitz LE indicated that US men have a 91,3% higher probability of acquiring HPV at least once in their lifetime compared to women.

The WHO points out that currently, nearly one-third of global men are infected with at least one genital HPV strain. An estimated 20% of these men carry high-risk strains, directly causing oropharyngeal cancer, anal cancer, and other genital diseases (genital warts), according to a 2023 study in The Lancet Global Health.

An NCBI study of 1.138 Chinese men (in 2013) showed that semen containing HPV reduces sperm motility and quality, directly impacting fertility.

HPV vaccination rates among men in developed countries are impressive, reflecting growing awareness of health protection for both genders. For example, in Australia, by 2023, over 83% of boys had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. According to the CDC, 75% of US men aged 13-17 have received at least one vaccine dose.

Experts believe these figures indicate the success of national vaccination campaigns. They also highlight the significance of HPV vaccination as an essential healthcare standard, contributing to building community immunity in major economies.

Before vaccination, goalkeeper Trung Kien and the players underwent thorough health checks and screenings to ensure optimal physical condition before prevention. *Photo: LC*

Supporting men in proactive health prevention, Long Chau commits to providing 100% genuine vaccines, stored and monitored 24/7 according to international procedures (WHO - GSP). In response to the spirit of Resolution 72-NQ/TW from the Politburo and Resolution 282/NQ-CP of the Government, the enterprise signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM) in early February. This partnership aims to strengthen operational capacity, standardize, enhance expertise, and further improve healthcare for Vietnamese people.

Hieu Chau