Pneumococcus continues to be leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia

The figure was released at the Ho Chi Minh City Respiratory Society Annual Congress 2026, themed "Pioneering Science and Technology in Modern Pulmonology," held on March 21 in the southern metropolis.

The event gathered nearly 800 delegates, including respiratory specialists, internists, pediatricians, lecturers, and researchers from Viet Nam and abroad.

Taking place at a time when respiratory diseases continue to impose a substantial health burden on young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying medical conditions, the congress drew significant attention for its focus on practical and clinically meaningful updates in prevention, diagnosis, and disease management.

Substantial health impacts on vulnerable groups

Common chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and immunocompromised states significantly increase susceptibility to severe respiratory infections. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Viet Nam, where 87.7 percent of older adults live with at least one chronic illness.

As Viet Nam is among the most rapidly ageing countries globally, overlapping illnesses create a "double burden" on both patients and the healthcare system.

Other factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and chronic liver disease further increase the risk and severity of respiratory conditions in adults.

In addition to Streptococcus pneumoniae, experts also highlighted RSV as a notable cause of respiratory disease in children and older adults.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (October 2024 – May 2025) showed that RSV was associated with an estimated 3.6–6.5 million outpatient visits, 190,000–350,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000–23,000 deaths, with the highest hospitalization rates occurring in adults over 75 and infants aged 0–11 months. In Viet Nam, RSV-related acute respiratory infections are projected to reach nearly 4.5 million cases between 2020 and 2025.

Pneumococcal disease and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are two respiratory pathogens of particular relevance in children and older adults.

In response to this situation, experts at the congress shared observations on disease risk and epidemiological characteristics among infants, older adults, and individuals with underlying conditions. These discussions provided practical insights into identifying high-risk groups in clinical practice and highlighted the real-world impact of respiratory diseases on community health.

Pinyo Rattanaumpawan, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, shared:

"Real-world evidence from Thailand shows that pneumococcal disease in older adults is far more common and often underrecognized, particularly among those with chronic conditions. This challenge is not unique to Thailand - it reflects a broader trend across many Asian countries, including Viet Nam, where rapid population ageing and a rising burden of comorbidities are shaping the landscape of respiratory health. Sharing regional insights between countries like Thailand and Viet Nam is essential to improving early identification of high-risk groups and strengthening protection strategies for older adults in our region."

Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration in respiratory disease prevention and management

Strengthening prevention and updating clinical approaches are seen by experts as key priorities in modern respiratory care. Discussions at the congress provided practical insights into identifying high-risk groups and highlighted the real-world impact of respiratory diseases on community health.

Experts emphasized that modern respiratory care requires a holistic approach - going beyond episodic treatment to early risk identification across all age groups. Scientific forums such as this congress play a vital role in linking new evidence with everyday clinical practice.

To support the effective implementation of these professional directions, mobilizing social resources is essential. This approach is also consistent with the policy outlined in Resolution No. 282/NQ-CP on promoting the participation of the private sector in healthcare.

Tran Van Ngoc, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Respiratory Society, stated: "The Annual Congress provides an important opportunity for experts and healthcare professionals to update scientific advances and share practical experience in managing respiratory diseases. We greatly appreciate partnerships and support that help advance scientific activities and professional development, ultimately strengthening respiratory healthcare capacity for the community."

Proactive, multilateral partnerships between organizations, medical facilities, and healthcare stakeholders are expected to create a sustainable environment for scientific exchange, contributing to improved effectiveness in community respiratory health protection. This year's congress once again reaffirmed the role of scientific forums in advancing medical progress and disseminating professional knowledge to healthcare professionals.

At the event, Pfizer Viet Nam participated as a scientific supporter to help facilitate professional exchange and clinical practice updates for healthcare professionals. Supporting academic and scientific forums forms part of Pfizer's long‑term commitment to improving access to scientific knowledge and contributing to enhanced respiratory disease management capacity in Viet Nam./.