Vaccinology Program launched in HCMC

Viet Nam is entering a period of rapid population ageing, while the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise and the need to extend healthy life expectancy is becoming increasingly urgent. In this context, strengthening preventive healthcare capacity among healthcare professionals is recognized as a key foundation for protecting public health and building a sustainable health system for the future.

With a vision to lead innovation in medical education and develop a healthcare workforce equipped to address emerging health challenges, this marks an important milestone in advancing vaccine-preventable disease prevention as an essential component of modern medical education and clinical practice in Viet Nam.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Phung Nguyen The Nguyen, Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, said: "The advancement of modern medicine requires physicians not only to treat diseases but also to proactively prevent them. The launch of the Vaccinology Program demonstrates our commitment to innovating medical education, enabling future healthcare professionals to integrate preventive thinking into clinical practice and better respond to the evolving health needs of people in Viet Nam."

The program is being implemented with the participation of 10 specialties and training units. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it aims to equip future physicians with the knowledge and competencies needed to integrate prevention throughout the patient care journey, particularly for adults, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

According to Professor Sir Jonathan Nguyen-Van-Tam – Emeritus Professor, University of Nottingham School of Medicine; Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer of England: "In many countries, adult immunization is an essential and growing part of healthy ageing strategies and the sustainable development of healthcare systems. To achieve these goals, relevant healthcare professionals need to be systematically trained in vaccine science, practical administration skills, and immunization counselling. Viet Nam's implementation of its Vaccinology Program represents a significant step forward in strengthening the nation's preventive healthcare capacity and preparing for future ageing of its population."

The program is the result of collaboration among academic institutions and leading healthcare experts from Viet Nam and abroad, including the British Embassy and leading universities in the United Kingdom. The innovation reflects a shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening medical education partnerships and enhancing healthcare workforce capacity for the future.

Pham Thi My Lien, President of GSK Viet Nam, said: "At GSK, we believe that strengthening healthcare professional capacity is one of the fundamental pillars of a sustainable healthcare system. We are proud to collaborate with academic partners and healthcare experts in implementing the Vaccinology Program, contributing to stronger preventive healthcare capabilities among healthcare professionals and advancing a prevention-focused approach to healthcare in Viet Nam."

As the first program of its kind in Viet Nam, the innovation is expected to progressively build the academic foundation, faculty capacity and implementation model needed to support the future integration of vaccinology into undergraduate medical curricula. In doing so, it will help prepare future generations of Vietnamese healthcare professionals with stronger preventive healthcare competencies, promote life-course immunization and support the shift from disease treatment towards proactive health protection.

The official launch of the Vaccinology Program not only marks a new milestone in medical education in Viet Nam, but also reflects the long-term vision of educational institutions, healthcare experts and partners to develop a healthcare workforce capable of leading preventive health initiatives, improving quality of life and contributing to a healthier future for people in Viet Nam./.