First AI exhibition on HPV prevention held in Vietnam

The event was attended by US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, Dr. Eric Dziuban, country director for CDC Vietnam, Travis Mitchell, executive director, AmCham Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City along with other esteemed healthcare representatives.

US ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper (third from right), Dr. Eric Dziuban, country director of the US. CDC in VIetnam (second from right), and Prof. Dr. Vu Sinh Nam, secretary general and chief of the Office of the Vietnam Public Health Association (fifth from left), participated in the exhibition's opening ceremony. Photo: Phuong Quynh

The exhibition is entirely free for the public and aims to provide the community with knowledge about Human papillomavirus (HPV), the harmful effects caused by this virus, and prevention methods.

"When people have access to accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand health information, they can take a more proactive role in protecting themselves and their families. Through our relentless efforts, we aspire to save and improve millions of lives in Vietnam," said Katharina Geppert, managing director of MSD Vietnam.

Katharina Geppert, managing director of MSD Vietnam delivered the opening speech at the "Love Your Future Self" exhibition. Photo: Phuong Quynh

According to the US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper, preventive measures like vaccination and regular screening can significantly reduce HPV's adverse impact. "With technological and medical advancements, I’m encouraged to see more methods, including vaccines, to deter preventable diseases and cancers," Knapper said at the event.

He added that to comprehensively address HPV, all available tools and resources must be used, and each organisation, partner, and sector must do their part.

"I’m glad to witness the private sector raising awareness and addressing an issue that is both preventable and treatable. I’m also very happy to see a U.S. pharmaceutical company like MSD contributing to efforts in combating HPV-related illnesses in Vietnam. I am also encouraged by efforts in the public sector to leverage other approaches for addressing HPV," he added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most sexually active individuals are likely to be infected with this virus at some point in their lives and usually exhibit no symptoms [1].

Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer [2]. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

At this event, attendees can experience a unique combination of technology, art, and health care knowledge.

According to statistics from 2022 [2, 3], it is estimated that around 794,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers were diagnosed in both genders globally.

Also in 2022, specifically in Vietnam [2, 3] it is estimated that over 6,200 people were newly diagnosed with HPV-related cancers, among which more than 2,500 cases of cervical cancer deaths were recorded.

With the goal of promoting proactive healthy lifestyle, the exhibition area is designed with the concept of time travel, allowing attendees to experience an interesting journey of future exploration with themed zones focused on health and life.

AI technology is thoroughly applied at the exhibition to inspire and enhance interaction for visitors. Photo: Phuong Quynh

Not only can they see simulated images of themselves in the future, but they also have the opportunity to interact with Minah – a virtual health influencer.

Backed by AI, Minah can provide basic information in response to health, lifestyle, and HPV prevention inquiries for various groups: parents, teenagers, and adults in both genders.

For appropriate HPV prevention methods, individuals should seek advice from specialised doctors at licensed medical institutions.

Not only does the exhibition provide information on the harms and prevention of HPV, but it also emphasises the role of comprehensive health through a lighting show with the messages: Healthy Body - Rightful Mind - Peaceful Spirit.

In addition, the programme also features the art collection “Khang Thuong” – paintings inspired by stories of overcoming fear and trauma from special guests such as: Dr. Hien Minh, Dr. Thuy Ai, singer Huong Tram, the couple Ninh Anh Bui and Nguyen Tung Duong.

This collection is part of the same-name podcast programme, “Khang Thuong”, co-produced by the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, MSD Vietnam, and Vietcetera, with the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The exhibition takes place on the occasion of Vietnam Women’s Day, October 20, making it a meaningful opportunity to appreciate and honour the significant role of women in taking care of the wellbeing of families and the community.

[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer/

[2] de Martel et al, Lancet Global Health 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31862245/

[3] GLOBOCAN 2022 Report, Global Cancer Observatory

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