Immortal Wish programme launched to support pediatric cancer patients in Vietnam

Under the Immortal Wish programme new decoration, furniture, equipment, and materials were donated to the paediatric room of the stem cell transplant department of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion

The Immortal Wish programme includes a series of dynamic activities in seven hospitals across Vietnam where paediatric cancer patients are being treated, as well as two health check-ups for 3,000 children in Nam Tra My district in the southern province of Quang Nam.

The programme’s first volunteer activity was pleased to welcome the participation of Ivo Sieber, Ambassador of Switzerland in Vietnam.

As a global company headquartered in Switzerland, Roche is not only a pioneer enterprise in providing advanced medical solutions but also a passionate company in contributing to sustainable development in Vietnam through social activities, especially those focusing on improving education and healthcare for children. Roche Vietnam and VinaCapital Foundation will be carrying out the Immortal Wish programme to provide psychosocial support for paediatric patients with cancer with the following activities:

• Decorating and furnishing equipment and materials for the paediatric room for the stem cell transplant department of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion.
• Providing new facilities for the Classroom of Hope and the Playing Room at the Oncology Department of the National Children’s Hospital.
• Building and fully setting up one Classroom of Wish in City Children’s Hospital – Ho Chi Minh City with modern classroom equipment (school desks, flipchart, bookshelves, glass board, textbooks from Grade 1 to 9, stationaries, and toys, among others). It will not only be an alternative classroom but also a space for recreational activities for all pediatric patients of the hospital.
• Organising a December birthday party for all pediatric inpatients of the Clinical Haematology Department of City Children’s Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Present 1,000 Christmas gift sets providing fresh fruits or warm blankets and towels for paediatric cancer patients in seven hospitals, including National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (220 sets), National Cancer Hospital (K Hospital) (100 sets), National Children’s Hospital (150 sets), City Children’s Hospital – Ho Chi Minh City (70 sets), Children’s Hospital II, Ho Chi Minh City (180 sets), Oncology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City (180 sets), and Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City (100 sets).

The chief representative of Roche Vietnam presenting gifts to paediatric patients

In addition, in January 2021, the Immortal Wish programme will also provide much-needed and long-awaited health check-ups for 3,000 children in Nam Tra My district where recent landslides, storms, and typhoons with destructive consequences have put the health and well-being of the local people, especially children, at risk. Having lost their homes, many children and their families have injuries, trauma, infections, exposure, and diseases while there is little healthcare in the impacted areas.

With the support of the medical team from Hoan My Danang Hospital and VinaCapital Foundation’s Outreach Clinics programme, two health check-ups will provide paediatric, cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory and trauma examination for children from 10 communes of Nam Tra My district including Tra Cang, Tra Don, Tra Don, Tra Leng, Tra Linh, Tra Mai, Tra Nam, Tra Tap, Tra Van, and Tra Vinh. Each diagnosed child will also receive a medical kit comprising of essential medicines.

Girish Mulye, chief representative of Roche Vietnam said, “As a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, Roche is committed to working with Vietnam to address healthcare challenges through a variety of activities. Collaborating and supporting VinaCapital Foundation in this meaningful and impactful initiative to help children with cancer and rare diseases who need this the most is part of our long term commitment. By establishing a platform in hospitals, we also give children the opportunity to access education and social life skills, enhancing their mental health besides physical treatment.”

Rad Kivette, CEO of the VinaCapital Foundation added, “VinaCapital Foundation’s primary focus is improving the well-being of the children in Vietnam, both financially and psychologically. VCF is proud to be a part of the Immortal Wish programme and to have the chance to work closely with Roche Vietnam to not only provide psychological support for paediatric cancer patients but also health check-ups for suffering children in Central Vietnam. I believe the Immortal Wish programme will both bring hope and faith in a brighter future for these children and their families.”

As psychological and physical support is vital to the safety and well-being of at-risk children and families, the Immortal Wish programme’s equipment, gifts, and mobile health examination will play a crucial role in ensuring protection and standard living conditions for this most vulnerable group.