Vietnam and Denmark kick off Phase 3 of health partnership

This third phase supports Vietnam’s health system in response to changing disease patterns, with a continued focus on enhancing primary care to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), amid significant administrative and health sector reforms in Vietnam.

Photo: The Danish Embassy

Denmark went through similar structural reforms in 2007, transforming its political and administrative healthcare landscape by reducing regional and local units and shifting responsibilities for prevention and rehabilitation from regional to local authorities.

"Vietnam is undergoing an ambitious and important transformation of its public administration, including the health sector. Denmark has walked a similar path and stands ready to share our experience and policy insights from the current and previous health structure reforms. Strengthening primary healthcare and investing in prevention is not only sound economic policy – it also builds healthier, more resilient communities," said Egebart.

Facing a rapidly ageing population, a shifting disease burden, and rising public expectations fuelled by economic growth, Vietnam is reshaping its grassroots health system to better serve its people. Phase 3 builds on joint efforts from earlier phases since the partnership began in 2016, focusing on strengthening policy frameworks, supporting integrated care models, and enhancing local capacity for the prevention, detection, and management of NCDs.

During his visit, Egebart met with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health to discuss priorities for primary healthcare and NCD management in the context of ongoing reforms and to reinforce the shared ambition of advancing bilateral cooperation.

Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz said, "Denmark is proud to be a trusted partner to Vietnam. Through Phase 3, we aim to deepen our collaboration, by drawing on Danish expertise in governance reform, health system strengthening, and health and life sciences. This new phase of cooperation comes at a vital moment to support Vietnam in shaping and implementing key policy initiatives in disease prevention and grassroots care – key pillars of long-term health reform and fully aligned with Vietnam’s broader development ambitions."

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