AstraZeneca Vietnam chairman awarded Friendship Medal

The prestigious accolade was announced on December 4 by Vietnam's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Nguyen Hoang Long, adding to the festive cheer of the 2023 Vietnam – UK Friendship Year.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long (left) and Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director, AstraZeneca Vietnam

The announcement was made in a warm and celebratory setting and was attended by prominent figures and numerous members of the Vietnamese community in the UK.

Long praised Kapoor for his unwavering dedication and significant expertise to the healthcare sector in Vietnam since he assumed his position in 2018. The ambassador highlighted the chairman’s firm commitment to healthcare innovation, the strengthening of health system resilience, sustainability, and his proactive stance on climate change.

In response to this honour, Kapoor said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese government, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all our esteemed partners who have stood by us on this remarkable journey. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and unwavering commitment of my colleagues, both in the local community and internationally."

The distinction further underscores Kapoor's dedication to enhancing health and sustainability in Vietnam, and accompanies his notable previous accolades that celebrated his positive influence on youth health and excellent leadership.

AstraZeneca's enduring partnership with Vietnam's health authorities has been marked by impactful health programmes aimed at disease awareness, prevention, and early detection. The company has pledged a substantial investment that aligns with Vietnam's aspirations for sustainable development, including a $50 million commitment to forest and landscape restoration, supporting the nation's ambitious net-zero emissions by 2050 target.

The company has also been instrumental in technology transfer by boosting the local production of innovative pharmaceuticals in Vietnam.

Alongside the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, AstraZeneca has introduced the 'Health Innovation Network', with the 'Digital Lung Health' project set to benefit 100,000 people this year alone.

The Friendship Medal not only honours Nitin Kapoor's significant contributions but also affirms AstraZeneca's influential role in Vietnam's healthcare, as recognised by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health for exemplary contributions to vaccine diplomacy, cancer treatment, the COVID-19 response, and patient support.

The company's repeated accolades from international business communities and recognition as one of Vietnam's Top 100 Best Places to Work further attest to its commitment to healthcare excellence.

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AstraZeneca Vietnam partners with Can Tho city to improve health services AstraZeneca Vietnam and Can Tho city officials signed an agreement on November 14 to work together on health projects and create a lasting healthcare system.

Health Innovation Network launched in Vietnam The Vietnam Young Physicians Association (VYPA) and AstraZeneca Vietnam hosted a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on November 19 to launch the Health Innovation Network and kick-start its first programme called Digital Lung Health.