New partnership targets improved cancer care for Vietnamese women

On July 22, the Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs under the Ministry of Health signed an MoU with Roche Vietnam (Pharma and Diagnostics) to jointly develop a National Action Plan for breast and cervical cancer prevention. The move reflects a shared commitment to strengthening early detection, treatment, and long-term care for women across the country.

The agreement aims to enhance access to timely, effective, and high-quality screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for breast and cervical cancer. The partnership is working towards developing a comprehensive, evidence-based National Action Plan designed to support long-term improvements in public health and contribute to broader social outcomes.

According to the comprehensive global cancer dataset GLOBOCAN 2022, breast cancer is the foremost malignancy among the female population both globally and within Vietnam. Vietnam registers approximately 24,600 new cases and over 10,000 mortalities annually from breast cancer. At the same time, Vietnam also reports more than 4,600 new cases with over 2,500 fatalities attributable to cervical cancer annually. The ramifications of this challenge extend far beyond the individual, creating significant socioeconomic strain for both families and the wider community.

Speaking at the signing, Dinh Anh Tuan, director of the Administration of Maternal and Children's Affairs, Ministry of Health, said, "The Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs fully recognises the critical importance of formulating a national action plan to improve the efficacy of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and management of breast and cervical cancer. This deal represents a significant milestone and the inception of our joint efforts to build and complete the plan."

"We are confident that upon its issuance, this plan will provide a robust professional foundation and a guiding compass for all coordinated, cross-sectoral activities, for mobilising resources, and for enhancing the capabilities of our healthcare system. Ultimately, this will ensure timely and equitable access to healthcare for every woman in our nation," he added.

In the same vein, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc said, "The government has rolled out two major strategies aimed at improving public health. One focused on overall healthcare and another targeting cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic conditions. Within these strategies, cancer prevention and control is a key component. The Ministry of Health has also released detailed plans to implement these strategies, aiming to reduce the incidence of various cancers, especially breast and cervical cancer."

"Therefore, the signing of the MoU is highly significant for prevention, early detection, and screening to minimize the incidence of these cancers and their consequences," added Thuc.

The collaboration will focus on supporting the development and dissemination of the National Action Plan for Breast Cancer. This includes the formulation of evidence-based clinical guidelines for breast cancer screening. A pilot scheme will be implemented in a selected locality to evaluate its practical applicability. This will serve as a crucial foundation for future nationwide replication across other provinces and cities.

According to Lennor Carrillo, general manager of Roche Pharma Vietnam, "Roche has been a dedicated partner in Vietnam since 2013, tirelessly working to improve breast cancer early detection and access to innovative therapies. We are immensely proud to bring this long-standing partnership to the next level with the Ministry of Health on this pivotal National Action Plan."

Lennor Carrillo, general manager, Roche Pharma Vietnam

Meanwhile, Roche Diagnostics Vietnam will continue working closely with the Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs to advance evidence-based screening and diagnostics. The company will also maintain its support for a project that delivers reproductive health counselling and services to workers in industrial and export processing zones.

Ricky He, general manager of Roche Diagnostics Vietnam, said, "Roche aims to empower women through innovative diagnostic solutions, ensuring access to timely and accurate screening. The company is committed to supporting the elimination of cervical cancer in Vietnam – a preventable and treatable disease when detected early – by contributing its global and regional expertise to the National Action Plan. Roche believes that science, combined with strong partnerships and sustained investment in health systems, can drive real-world impact and improve women’s health across Vietnam."

Roche's decade-long commitment to improving women's health in Vietnam For Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Vietnamese Women's Day, Lennor Carrillo, general director of Roche Pharma Vietnam spoke with VIR's Thanh Van on Roche's 10 years of partnership for a healthier future for women, focusing on breast cancer care and raising awareness through free screenings and informative programmes.

Bright Future Fund and Roche launch 2023 breast cancer awareness campaign On October 19, the Bright Future Fund, in collaboration with Roche Pharma Vietnam, celebrated the kick-off event for "Joining hands for the women I love" campaign 2023 to raise awareness about breast cancer and improve women’s health.

Roche Pharma Vietnam celebrates 30th anniversary A ceremony to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Roche Pharma Vietnam was held at the Swiss Ambassador's Residence on September 26.